How To Use The Montessori Method At Home

The Montessori method is a gold standard in child rearing and education. The goal is both simple and challenging: to offer favorable environments that evoke independence and balanced development in the children.

Believe it or not, it’s something you can do at home. The experience is clearly enriching. But there are some things to keep in mind before you start applying the Montessori method at home.

It will assure you that your child can reach his or her full potential  at home, at school or in any environment.

Montessori pedagogy has been criticized by some and praised by many. This unique approach seems to encourage children to feel competent. It’s definitely not about letting them do what they want. In fact,  Montessori-based parenting is really demanding for parents. 

In the Montessori method, the parents are the guides; the architect in his children’s daily discoveries. If you decide to apply this method at home, you will realize just how much potential it has. You will raise your children to become more independent, more creative and happier.

Let’s see how.

Characteristics of the Montessori method

Before we explain how to apply the Montessori method at home, we first want to go through the basics of this pedagogical approach. First of all, you need to understand the goals of the method.

A child’s mind has great potential

• Children learn every day, often without realizing it. The more stimuli, learning opportunities and experiences they are exposed to, the greater their potential.
• Every child learns at their own pace and we must respect that.
• The best way for a child to learn is through joy. If your child feels happy, respected, safe and well-liked, it will absorb everything around him.

Sensitive periods

• Sensitive periods are the phases when a child can pick up a new ability more quickly. Generally, it is between 0-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-9 years.
• These are the best times for children to learn to walk, talk, relate to others, become independent and more.

A suitable environment

• The Montessori method requires a well-structured environment. The materials and spaces should encourage independent learning, discovery and growth.
• The spaces for learning should offer opportunities for the development of social, emotional and intellectual capacities.

The role of adults

• Adults play an important role in Montessori philosophy. They must guide their children with love, respect and security,  affectionately encouraging them to discover the world around them.
• As adults, we are observant, but we must also be magicians. We must help children to connect with their surroundings, give strength to their physical, emotional and intellectual development.

Strategies for applying the Montessori method at home

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that the children should feel that they are part of the family and the household. This means that the little ones should have their role in every activity in the household.

We know it may sound strange, but  to raise capable, independent children, there is nothing better than giving them responsibilities. So do not be afraid to involve them as much as possible in every activity.

Let’s see how:

Furniture that suits them

• Furniture should be made especially for them. For example, a small dresser or shelves to make it easier for them to clean their clothes or toys.
• A chair or table of their size allows them to be close to you when you read or cook a meal.

The importance of structure and stimulus

A well-structured home with a lot of stimulation will help the children absorb the information in the best possible way.

• Children must understand that this structure must not be broken.  Their rooms should be clean, their toys should be put away. Clothes in the closet, not on the floor.
• A home with stimulation provides space for learning every day. A good idea is to have a garden where they can plant seeds and see how flowers grow.
• Make sure there is a corner for drawing and painting, a corner for games and a place where they can cook with mom and dad. Avoid all risks, but let your child bake a cake or prepare the salad, for example.

The best games to play at home

• The best games are the ones that relate to real life. Build, feel, smell, touch, do… these are daily tasks that children should experience.
• The Montessori method recommends playing with puppets. It can help children learn social and communication skills.

Treasure chest

This is an idea that is fun and practical. In your living room you can have a “treasure chest” for your child. It can be made of wood or cardboard.

• Every day you can add something new that your child can discover or interact with.
• Always use things that are stimulating, with bright colors.

• Avoid plastic objects. Choose wood, fabric or other options.
• Another suggestion is to add food, so that your child can experience new flavors. If it learns to read, you can add affectionate notes so that it stimulates the reading process.

Whether you believe in the Montessori method or not, we are sure that these tips can help you with your parenting.