Would you like to create a Montessori inspired home for your children? I will share some quick and easy tips that will help bring the peace of the Montessori classroom into your home.
Hi, my name is Annette, and I am a certified Primary Montessori teacher and a mom of three. If you want a Montessori education for your children, yet can’t afford the tuition that comes with attending a Montessori school, or maybe you just want to simplify and bring in some of the aspects of the Montessori philosophy to your home.
Well, no problem!
Let’s get started on preparing your home environment for your little ones!
Here are a few easy tricks to bring Montessori into YOUR home:
- Keep their space organized and clutter-free. Use shelving at their level and place toys neatly on there for them to choose. One method to deal with the clutter is to put most of the toys and books in bins and hide them away in the basement or a closet. That way, you can keep it simple for the children and rotate what toys are on the shelf. Don’t put things in a toy box; it will just be a place to hide clutter.
- Keep the bedrooms simplified. A few books and one toy in a basket or placed on a shelf will do. You can also take the mattress off and make a floor bed to help your children transition into a full-size bed and out of their cribs. Keep the room safe and make sure all furniture is attached to the walls.
- Have a changing station in their bedroom. A mirror placed on the wall at eye level and a small basket for their hairbrush. Keep a selection of clothing for them in a drawer or basket. Let them chose what they would like to wear and set them up for success by having clothing out that they can put on themselves. Nothing too complicated or with too many zippers and buttons.
- Have routines in your home everyday. Children thrive on routine and knowing what is next. Come up with the family routines that work for you and stick with them when possible.
- Give your children jobs around the house. An easy one would be to sweep with a small broom or push vacuum. You could also have them scrub their little table, water a plant, wash a window, or really anything. Remember, it is not how well they do the chore; it is about just doing them. They need work that has meaning right from the time they are toddlers.
- Have freedom with limits, give your children boundaries and rules, and then let them explore the world. Starting with your home and backyard. Please don’t force them to do things your way, let them be creative and come up with their ideas. It may take longer and not be the same way you would have done it, but look at what they are learning when they figure things out on their own.
- Don’t put limits on their abilities based on their age. A two years old is way more capable, then you think. Keep your home a tidy and safe environment, and then let them go!
- Give the children a space in the bathroom by the sink to safely brush their teeth and wash their face.
- Have a child’s size table for them in the kitchen or dining room. Let them set their dishes, choose and cut their food (with a safe utensil), pour their drinks, and clean up their mess. I know this sounds like a lot. But keep it simple! Give them a small drawer or cabinet and in there place a plastic cup, bowl, and plate along with a few snack choices. They will LOVE it, I promise. Make sure to have a sponge and towel available for those spills. Just do water, so when they spill, it is not a big deal for them to clean.
- Give them time and space to make mistakes, fail, fall, and get back up. They will learn so much more if you don’t only do everything for them. This will require you to slow down and not rush from place to place. Yes, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes we need to get in the car quickly, and we won’t have time for them to tie their shoes and make their food. But if you want the peace that Montessori makes available to all, then give them that time and set your schedule, so there is time to fail and make mistakes. In the end, you will have happy, healthy children that are independent and care about their environment.
Let me know if you want to hear more Montessori tips or if you have any questions! Remember, you can do this!
