The Montessori educational method is in fashion. There are even schools that only apply this formula. But, today we will explain the benefits and methods of applying the Montessori Method at home.
THE MONTESSORI METHOD
As you will remember, we already talk about the Montessori Method in our blog. Still, for those of you who haven't read it, let's summarize it again.
Its 'creator' was Maria Montessori, an Italian pediatrician, who materialized it at the end of the 19th century. To ensure that infants develop their full intellectual and physical potential at their own pace. And most importantly: from free and autonomous work.
HOW TO APPLY MONTESSORI AT HOME?
One of the most important points to keep in mind is that Montessori schools (whether public or private) teach everything. In other words, its formative content is just as complete as that of traditional education. Thus, what changes in this type of method is the way of teaching.
For this reason, one of the clearest objectives of Montessori was not only to train but to instill in children a love of learning. Or what is the same, teach them to learn as much as possible to be the best possible version of themselves.
If you are interested in giving your child Montessori education, you can choose Mutendi Montessori. But now let's see a few tips to apply the Montessori Method at home:
1. Keep calm in the face of the abundance of materials
If you are new to this field, you may feel overwhelmed by the topic. It's okay, calm down. There are many materials available, as well as information. Therefore, the first thing to do to apply Montessori at home is to find out in-depth about the subject. Soak up what this method is and the philosophy of the creator. In this way, when you want to start applying it, you will already know the tricks and objectives of the method.
2. Believe in the little one as a capable being
Give the little one the ability to decide. It is a way of making the child understand that he is responsible for himself and his decisions. Present them with choices that are accessible to them. For example, if you have vegetables for dinner: do you prefer zucchini or pumpkin?
3. Know in depth the role you must play
The Montessori philosophy is very clear about the role of adults in education. You must guide the little one with respect, love, and security. You must be observant and find a way to make the child connect every day with his environment. Only then you can play the necessary role to enhance their development at all levels: emotional, intellectual, and physical.
4. Adapt their space so the child can explore
Having a space adapted to your child’s size (as far as possible) is a good start. Remember that the Montessori methodology at home is based on promoting a child’s autonomous learning. If they have free access to elements such as textures or objects (with shapes and sizes), they will be able to autonomously develop their senses and perceptions.
This point also encourages their autonomy in hygiene and household tasks. For example, having a glass of water within reach will make him understand that if he is thirsty, he can drink to quench it.
5. Theory and practice
Many times the little ones understand the theory of how to do things. But practice is another matter. Therefore, encourage them to do daily activities such as tidying up their room or taking care of the plants. In this way, children will develop particular abilities that will help them understand theories and learning. At this point it is important to take into account their size: if the tools they use are appropriate for their age, their learning will be much more profitable and agile.
6. Goodbye to punishments
If you want to apply Montessori at home, one of the most difficult steps you will take will be this. Goodbye to punishments and rewards. One of the principles of this educational method is that children must learn that things are done for their satisfaction. Giving them prizes wouldn’t help either.
For this reason, instead of punishing them when they don’t do something well, work on educational awareness with them. Teach them what happens when a bad deed is done.
7. Montessori error control
In addition to these tips, the ‘error control’ of the Montessori Method at home must be taken into account. And is that, each activity that the little ones carry out must have a time or space for them to realize if what they have done is correct or not?
MONTESSORI ACTIVITIES AT HOME
Before you take a look at these activities that we present, you should keep one thing in mind. The Montessori Method organizes its learning activities by sensitive periods. That is a stage in which children can acquire skills more easily. Generally, the Montessori Method contemplates them between 0-3 years, 3-6, and 6-9.
The Montessori educational games that you can find below will help you if your little one is between 3 and 6 years old.
1- Sort and classify:
Sorting or classifying games allow children to create a mental order that facilitates subsequent training in any field. For example: collect animal stickers and ask them to order them according to whether they are marine or terrestrial.
2- The tables of Seguín:
They are a method to learn what tens are and how numbers change. If you are a mom or dad, you will know that little ones usually have a hard time going from units to tens. Therefore, this game is a perfect tool to help them leap. Although it can be purchased through different stores, you can also make it at home. The Seguín tables are made up of wood chips with which you work from 11 to 99.
3- Learn by doing:
Another activity to apply Montessori at home with children between 3 and 5 years old is to put theories into practice. For example, print a small diagram of how to set a table and provide him with the materials so that he can do it himself.
If you are looking for a Montessori for your child, you can contact us to enroll your child in Mutendi Montessori.