If you’re a Montessori parent, you’ve probably been told that your child’s education continues even outside of the classroom. Whether you’re looking to supplement your child’s Montessori education or simply keep the philosophy alive after they graduate, these tips will help ensure that your kid keeps growing according to Maria Montessori’s vision for childhood.
1) Read More Montessori Literature
The best way to understand the Montessori philosophy is to read literature from the people who are actively practicing the method in the modern day. From books to blog posts, you can keep yourself involved with the Montessori community by keeping up with modern publications, checking out recommended materials from the library, and reading the newsletter for your child’s school.
A good place to start is by reading The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori herself. Although it’s almost a century old, this book does a great job of explaining the educational philosophy and the resultant academic lifestyle.
2) Buy Learning Materials for Your Home
Montessori learning materials often double as excellent toys and weekend activities. One good way to keep your young Montessori student invested is to purchase a few of their favorite learning materials for your home environment. Pay attention to the kinds of activities that your child likes to participate in at school. Then, decide whether you want to purchase the same items or take your at-home learning materials in a different direction.
If you decide to purchase your own learning materials, consider checking in with your child’s teacher first. They will be able to help you pick a gift that matches their current developmental stage and doesn’t conflict with the class activities that they are participating in.
3) Keep Your Environment Kid-Friendly
One of the core principles of the Montessori method is that the children’s environments should contain furniture and items that are of an appropriate size. How can you expect your kid to pick up their things or hang up their coats if the shelves and hooks are too high? Similarly, children often struggle to move chairs, desks, and other furniture items that are designed for adults.
When you’re putting together your child’s bedroom and play area, make sure that everything is small enough for them to use. As your kid gets older, remember to swap things out for larger pieces. After all, something that’s too small is just as frustrating as something that’s too big.
Maintaining the Montessori philosophy at home is all about helping your child grow through their primary developmental phases. Stay in touch with your child’s teacher to find out what you can do to help them succeed.
