Montessori Radmoor

Toddler at Montessori Radmoor

One of the questions I hear most from parents is, ‘How do I make my home more Montessori?’ Parents want to give their child a true Montessori experience but that doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money to prepare the child’s environment.

Look around your house and look at the space.  Are there any cupboards down low that your child likes to explore? This may be a great place to put materials the child works with throughout the day.  Do you have any low bookshelves that can be used for toys or materials?  Is there an area rug for space for your child to move around? Try to use things you already have at home.

My first thought when looking at most children’s homes is that there is too much clutter. Too many toys make it hard for your child to choose what they want to use.  For a toddler, having fewer choices when looking for toys or materials may help in his/her decision making. In the kitchen you might have a space for your child. Find a low space where your child can choose a plate, cup, and silverware. Show them how to set the table. This way the child can help at dinner time.

Remember that practical life is a big part of our day. Does your child like to feed the dog? Put a small closed container of dog food on a low shelf. Your child can feed the dog every day with little help. Watering plants with a small watering can is something that could be on the shelf every day. Leave a washcloth on a small tray for your child to dust the tables and shelves. One investment I’s recommend is having a small table and chairs in the kitchen or dining room.  This does help your child prepare for his or her entrance into the Montessori classroom environment.   Sitting in a chair for a toddler takes practice. Having one that is your child’s size does help them practice.

When thinking about having a prepared environment at home sit down on the floor.  If you see something that isn’t child friendly remove it. Have your child with you. See what works and what doesn’t. Remember that toddlers need space to move. They need to crawl, walk, roll, and sit. Also, if things look cluttered you probably have too many materials and toys out. You can always rotate toys. Keep in mind your child’s interests. At home, a small shelf, a few materials, and an area rug go a long way in preparing a space.

Hopefully, I’ve given you some ideas to get started at home. Remember activities like window washing or sink scrubbing are always a big hit. Toddlers’ love child-size brooms and mops. Good luck and have fun making your child’s space.

Sincerely,

Kristy

Image Credit: living Montessori now

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