Montessori education improves academic achievement, social skills, and self-esteem. But this learning doesn’t happen only in the classroom. As you look for ways to help your son or daughter reach their full potential, using Montessori techniques at home is a great option.
Here’s how to take what your child is learning in class and support it in everyday home routines.
10 Montessori Approaches that Work at Home
1. Make children’s items easy to access
Establishing a place for everything makes it easy for children to find things as needed. And it helps them know where to put items away so they can clean up after themselves.
How to do it:
- Set up open shelves they can easily see and reach.
- Choose play materials that are simple to grasp (such as plushies or pliable plastic).
- Make obvious spots for items—crayons in a bright-colored tray, blocks in a basket, etc.
2. Rotate toys to invite focus
Large piles of toys can be stressful for children and adults alike, and too many choices can become overwhelming. Simplify what’s available at any given time.
How to do it:
- Keep toys organized and streamlined, and your son or daughter’s eye will be quickly drawn to what they want to play with.
- Rotate items—putting them out for a while, then storing them and bringing out new ones.
3. Get creative together
Montessori is all about fostering a lifelong love of learning. Teachers model this curiosity in class, and so do older students. Parents can, too. Get playful and inventive!
How to do it:
- Read a book together and then act out the different characters with your child.
- Make up dance movements while listening to music.
- Take turns asking and answering questions that require some thought and self-awareness. This invites curiosity, creativity, and fun.
4. Foster concentration skills
In today’s world, there are so many things that draw away your child’s attention. Yet academic and workplace success depends on the ability to focus and follow through—and you can teach this!
How to do it:
- Pick a project that requires several steps, and then give your child time to concentrate on each step, one at a time.
- Ensure their environment is free of distractions while they’re working—no TVs or screens, for example.
- Praise them when they focus and accomplish a task.
5. Embrace daily routines
A smooth transition between home and school creates clear boundaries so your child can thrive. Prepare them to switch gears by helping them think through what to expect.
How to do it:
- Help them choose an outfit for the following morning.
- Ask them to gather what they need for the next day, such as supplies or show-and-tell items.
- Start each day with a fun moment they can share with you, such as playing a favorite song.
6. Set up specific play, work, and sleeping areas
Montessori classrooms have several work/play stations designated for different tasks. This visual and physical change of space eases transitions and creates an orderly environment where children can explore new skills.
How to do it:
- Set aside unique spaces in your house for playtime, studies, household chores, and resting.
- Decorate and supply these spaces with things your child likes—such as their favorite fingerpaints at a painting table, or books and a cozy pillow in their reading nook.
7. Encourage freedom and independence
As your son or daughter learns how to navigate their world, they will want to practice different skills and tasks. Make it easy for them to do so.
How to do it:
- If they want to do something with you, give them toys that coordinate with your household chores—such as bendable measuring cups for baking, or a toy lawnmower for backyard use while you garden.
- Place items within their reach so they can get them on their own—such as snacks in a mini-fridge that is theirs.
8. Choose age-appropriate activities
As children grow, they become capable of different tasks. But they can get overly frustrated if asked to do something far beyond their age. Invite them to perform activities that match their current stage of development.
How to do it:
- If they need to cultivate fine motor skills, give them paintbrushes and crayons for rough drawing—and wait to teach them to write the alphabet with a pencil.
- Place handy items nearby for tasks they need help with—such as step stools near the sink so they can easily wash their hands.
- Ask our teachers for ideas on activities suitable for your child right now.
9. Practice real-life skills
When children have responsibilities they can accomplish successfully, they gain confidence in their ability to succeed. Chores help out the family—and they can also be made entertaining.
How to do it:
- Choose a unique song to sing while they feed the pets.
- Make a game out of matching socks and folding them.
- Invite them to describe how their five senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—relate to tasks like peeling potatoes, tossing the trash, or cleaning dishes.
10. Foster their interests
Great teachers pay attention to what their students are doing and adapt in the moment to encourage learning. As a parent, you can take the same approach—supporting your child’s development through mindful attentiveness.
How to do it:
- Know what appeals to your child—and offer ways for them to pursue that interest further. This encourages them to build new skills and enjoy the learning process.
- Offer guidance and model skills as needed, so they can gain new abilities.
- Ask them to tell you what they love about their favorite activities—and share the joy!
Discover the Power of Lifelong Montessori Skills for Your Child
A balanced education at home and in the classroom prepares your child for success in school and life. At Primary Montessori we help offer a robust, proven method for raising confident, gracious young people who excel in what they pursue.
Check out the benefits of Montessori learning—and see how your son or daughter will thrive in our classes.