Jun 19 , 2023
If our child does not go to a Montessori school, can we practise Montessori at home?
Children have resumed classes. If kids are not attending a Montessori school, you might be wondering how to follow the Montessori philosophy.
For kids older than five, there aren't as many Montessori schools in the UK. The only option is frequently mainstream education. Not everyone is a good fit for homeschooling.
Up until the pandemic, my son attended a Montessori school. My daughter has been in a regular school for even longer because she only attended a Montessori preschool.
Yes, you can use a Montessori approach at home even if your children do not attend a Montessori school provided you view Montessori as a way of life.
Learning occurs outside of the classroom as well.
Over the course of 39 weeks, kids attend school for 6 hours every day on average. We continue to have the biggest influence over our kids, at least until they enter secondary school and start to place greater value on their classmates.
Technically speaking, we have time to maintain contact with our kids. We can spend time doing things together. Naturally, you are free to work a full-time job and pick your kids up from the after-school programme at 6 p.m. It doesn't matter what your "working situation" is; the time you spend with your kids will have a significant impact.
Despite the fact that both of my children attend a traditional school, I have always thought of our family as being Montessori-inspired.
Let me give you 10 suggestions for living a Montessori lifestyle.
Respect and comprehension for your kid.
When you read works by Maria Montessori, you can see how much she values children. Children have historically been valued less than adults. Attachment to children was discouraged for parents. Up to the 20th century, chances of surviving past early childhood were low. At the time of Maria Montessori, everything changed. She began to value children, just like other educators and psychologists of the day. According to Maria Montessori, when our children meddle in our lives, we adults have a tendency to assert our authority over them. The "terrible twos" are a result of this. In order to guide me in my parenting every day, I really try to keep in mind my child's development and what they are capable of. I also try to emphasise the importance of treating your child and viewing them as human beings who deserve the same respect as we do.
Live more simply and slowly.
Following your child and allowing them to explore at their own speed are key concepts in Montessori. That remains the same when your child gets older. Extracurricular and after-school clubs and activities can be rewarding. The majority of kids, though, need to take it easy and unwind at home after a long day at school. Enjoy the monotony, the leisurely pace, and the repetition of the daily schedule! Allow your kids to grow bored. Children will create when they are bored!
Take a look at your weekend plans, play dates, and extracurricular activities. You seem to have found the ideal balance, but is it too much for your family?
Montessori education
The Montessori method of discipline is still an option even if your child's school uses a reward system and traditional behaviour control measures. Put an emphasis on setting boundaries. Talk about your family's rules.
When my kids were little, I would lay down the ground rules. Most laws were created with safety in mind. As my children mature, many of my rules also emphasise respect for other people and the environment. For instance, cleaning up their bedroom has little to do with safety, but kids can comprehend that their possessions cost us money. They must honour that.
Continue to get ready the atmosphere.
It's possible that you don't have a dedicated kitchen drawer or Montessori shelf. However, your kids will still require access to what they require. The second plane's children can be exceedingly unkempt and disorganised. Their "private domain" is their bedroom. My kids keep their bedrooms neater when there is less stuff on display there. A desk and/or a location for doing art are also excellent at this age.
A more intentional and practical life
Adults are joking about "adulting" more and more. It is described as "the practise of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially in the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks" in the Oxford dictionary. The best lesson you can give your kids is practical life skills. As they become older, your kids will prefer the finished product over honing the skills. Together, you may prepare a meal, teach them how to sew buttons, show them your budget spreadsheet and ask them to fill up your car at the petrol station. It's time to learn and set an example for others if you have trouble with some of those abilities. I very recently began cross-stitching!
Practical training
Toys and activities that adhere to the Montessori principles are still an option. Favour toys and materials that are natural, useful, and tactile. How about becoming a woodworker? Electronics? Gardening? Children still prefer to learn via doing!
Support their pursuit of it!
When my kids show an interest, we look for methods to support them—we check out books from the library, conduct online searches, etc. We continue to support their impulsive hobbies, whether they are learning the piano, playing football, or collecting Pokémon cards!
The lessons beyond the classroom.
I continued "doing Montessori at home" in part by extending the curriculum. My kid used to beg me to conduct more activities on a certain subject when she finished a school project. The more "independent" my son gets, the more he will often examine the facts about the subject in his books or on Google. I liked creating activities for them based on what they were learning in school because I am a Montessori teacher.
Encourage your kid to go outside and play.
Any educational system's weakest link is unquestionably this. Kids don't spend nearly enough time outside. We would prioritise spending as much time outside as possible if we had to concentrate on just one item.
Encourage original thought
The Montessori philosophy's central tenet is that young children instinctively know what is best for them. Every child has potential from birth. Children will thrive when we allow them freedom with few restrictions to ensure their safety. This also entails allowing kids the autonomy to think independently. We think kids should develop their own thoughts and worldviews. My partner and I have our own personal ideals and opinions as grownups. We want to be careful to avoid forcing things on our kids. We advocate for diversity all the time. We've never forced our religion on anyone. We frequently begin sentences with "some people think" or "I believe that..." and then ask, "So, what do you think? ". We have stimulating discussions on politics, religion, and ethics with my 9 and 13-year-old children. One of the biggest successes of the Montessori way of living, in my perspective, is that I can watch children forming their own values.
