It may not take an entire village to raise a child. However, the process is more effective when parents and teachers work together to reinforce lessons that help children learn, develop, and thrive.
Are you interested in enrolling your child in a Montessori toddler program or have already done so? In either case, you might be curious about how you can create a complementary learning environment at home.
When you understand the core philosophy and practices of the Montessori program, you can begin to implement them in the home setting. Here are some strategies for transforming your home into the image of a Montessori classroom.
Start by Detailing Your Goals
Creating a Montessori-style space starts with fully understanding the principles behind the method. At its core, Montessori education is designed for holistic growth, including cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. It involves self-led and self-paced learning fostered by an accessible and nurturing environment.
By understanding your goals for mimicking a Montessori toddler program, you can work backward to create an environment that supports specific outcomes. This could mean making space for your child to learn, giving them suitable tools, and considering how your own behaviors and interactions with your child mesh with the Montessori method.
Outfitting a Montessori Environment
Montessori toys, equipment, and materials are specially designed with essential skills and concepts in mind. However, you don’t necessarily need a ton of pricy equipment — you can get creative yourself and take advantage of materials already in the home or even found items.
In designing a learning environment, focus on natural or bright lighting. Choose functional furnishings and materials that appeal to your child’s age group, and select pieces and arrangements with intention. Strive to create a hands-on experience that invites observation, discovery, and development.
Place Everything at Your Child’s Level
Independence is an important element of the Montessori process. You want to encourage children to do things on their own by providing easy access to whatever they might need.
This is important for both functional concerns, like choosing clothing each day, and educational activities, like engaging in play or projects. Make sure everything is accessible at your child’s level, and provide plenty of storage to keep the space organized.
Limit Choices and Listen to Requests
These are behaviors from your Montessori toddler program you can practice everywhere, not just at home. You want to help kids build confidence when it comes to making decisions and nurture their creativity and interests.
When children are young, too many options can feel overwhelming. By limiting options for your children to just two or three at a time, you create a safe space for making choices without the stress of too many factors that complicate the situation.
But what if your kids ask for something you don’t necessarily want to provide? In such an instance, try not to say no outright and take a moment to consider the request first. Then, if you can’t or won’t say yes, at least offer an alternative so kids feel like their desires and interests are valued.
Consult With Teachers
Teachers in your Montessori program are an excellent resource for information and ideas about transforming your home environment. When you understand your goals, design an environment geared toward accessibility, offer your kids choices, and value their input and ideas, you have the best chance to support their classroom education.
Are you interested in enrolling your child in a program at a Montessori West campus? If so, contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more.
