MONTESSORI IN THE HOME

“We must clearly understand that when we give the child freedom and independence, we are giving freedom to a worker already braced for action, who cannot live without working and being active.” We teach children to be independent and give them lots of freedom at school. Here are some ways to encourage independence at home.

HOME RESPONSIBILITIES

• Wash/chop/slice fruits and vegetables
• Measure and pour ingredients for a recipe. They love to help cook.
• Allow children to dress themselves and to pick out their own clothes (even if they don’t match)
• Brush their teeth
• Fold laundry
• Wash dishes
• Dust shelves
• Sweep up their mess
• Water plants
• Set the table

SETTING UP THE HOME

• Hang a low hook or towel rack so your child can reach their towel by themselves
• Have shelves at the child’s level
• Keep a step stool in the kitchen or bathroom
• Arrange clothes in drawers so it’s easily accessible to the child or place a low rod in the closet so they can hang their own clothes
• Have smaller sized utensils (cups, plates, etc.) so the child can be successful in fixing a snack or getting a drink by themselves
• Buy a shoe horn and allow the child to put their shoes on by themselves
• Buy knives that aren’t as sharp so the child can chop or slice fruits and veggies.

BENEFITS OF INCORPORATING MONTESSORI AT HOME

• Children will become more responsible
• They will gain independence
• Higher self-esteem and confidence levels because they can do things on their own
• Care and compassion towards the environment