Montessori at Home
I’m so grateful for messages, like this one: “So, I’ve been reading the articles you’ve been posting on your blog and now I’m really curious. Tell me more about Home Day Hero and what is Montessori?”
What is Home Day Hero? Some days are school days, while other days are home days, such as the weekends, holidays, sick days, and days that school or daycare is closed. When you are at home with your child, YOU are THE HERO! How will you be a hero on your home days? Home Day Hero’s Montessori Inspired Solutions to the rescue! Born from the idea that Montessori components can easily be implemented at home with tips and tricks from a certified Montessorian (Montessori teacher), that’s me! Follow along in my adventures through teaching hundreds of children and raising my own kiddos.
Home Day Hero features posts on a weekly basis to support your success at home. Articles will include tips and tricks that can be easily selected and implemented to provide the best experiences for you and your family. The blog will also highlight information from experienced specialists in various areas, as related to child development, learning, home life, parenting, and Montessori. In time, additional services will also become available to further support your success at home!
4 Simple Activities to Welcome Montessori at Home:*
Have a set place for daily belongings
Hand washing
Dressing
Hair brushing
*How to details available below. Many hundreds more are possible.
THE DETAILS: 4 Simple Activities to Welcome Montessori at Home
Activity 1: Have a set place for daily belongings- shoes, coats, lunchbox/bag
Supplies needed: small rug or mat, shoe box(es), hook(s), small bag or lunchbox
How to implement: “This is where your ‘things’ belong. There’s a special
spot for your shoes, coat, lunchbox, and bag. Which one will you put away first?”
Pro Tip: You might consider adding, “When you come into the house, you put your things away here, then, you’ll be ready to...(name the next activity: play with your toys or eat dinner or watch a show, etc.).”
Activity 2: Hand washing
Supplies needed: soap, towel, towel bar or other spot for a towel
How to implement: Set the stage “This is how we wash our hands, watch”
Pro Tip: Ask the child to choose a song to sing together for the duration of time that hands will be washed. Usually, Twinkle Twinkle or The Alphabet song are the perfect length.
Activity 3: Dressing
Supplies needed: 2 outfits (tops, bottoms, socks, and underwear, if applicable)
How to implement: “It’s time to get dressed, pick one or which (insert name of item and continue until all choices made)” or specify “Will you wear this gray shirt or this green one?”
Pro Tip: Provide positive reinforcement for cooperation. “I liked the way you chose your clothes today” or “You made some great choices”.
Activity 4: Hair brushing
Supplies needed: small hair brush or comb
How to implement: First, the adult shows the child how to brush (this is ‘the lesson’). “This is the handle and these are the bristles. The bristles are perfect for brushing your hair. Start at the top and move to the bottom.” Watch.
Pro Tip: After the lesson, the child takes the first turn, then, the adult gets a turn (child’s turn depends on child’s age). As the adult, you would say, “Now, it’s your turn, then I’ll take a turn.”
Infuse Montessori at Home - 5 Secrets to Success
Consistent language
Establish routines
Designated places for items
Provide two choices
Patience for practice
The Root of it All: Who was Maria Montessori? Maria Montessori, an Italian scientist and doctor was a pioneer in the observation of children and the study of child development. She focused on working with children who had learning differences. Through her observations and providing children with hands-on learning experiences, she identified best practices for an educational setting for children, where they could learn and grow, as they were ready.
Her philosophy, revolutionary in her time (and even still today), was based upon her ability to silently observe and follow the lead of the child. She created a simple, organized environment to support children’s learning based upon meeting the child wherever the child was in their learning and meeting the needs that existed for each individual child through appropriate activities that fostered learning. This tailored approach encouraged children’s development through hands-on activities that isolated concepts, even difficult or challenging concepts were simplified to the very basic foundation of study.
10 Core Principles of Montessori:**
Follow the child
Freedom within limits
Create a sense of order
Positive discipline
Appropriate choices
Learn through modeling
Receive lessons
Practice activities presented
Work is play and play is work
Learning is a process
**Many more exist and may differ by program and experience.
15 Anticipated Outcomes for Children Involved in Montessori Programs and Experiences:***
Problem solver
Critical thinker
Self reliant
Confident
Independent
Caring
Empathetic
Authentic
Love of learning
Curiosity about the world
Joyful
Leader
Team player
Collaborative
Intrinsically motivated
***Many more exist, may differ by program and experience.
Ready to get started!? What will you implement FIRST? SECOND? AND, THEREAFTER? Got your 3!? Want help implementing an activity in your home? Email Stacey to inquire! And, be sure to request our FREE guide!