It is important that you follow Montessori methods in the home in order to get the most out of your child’s Montessori education.  It helps reinforce what they are learning at school.

In practicing Montessori in the home, keep in mind three core Montessori beliefs:

  1. There should be as much physical and intellectual freedom for the child as possible.
  2. The environment itself, and the way it’s prepared has a profound influence on development and learning.
  3. The way the child is treated by adults, particularly parents, has a profound effect upon her development.

In addition, here are six principles to keep in mind when you plan your home around your child:

  1. Child size furniture.  The home of course is shared by the family, but it is possible to introduce furniture of the right scale in various rooms.
  2. Close proximity.  Children learn about their world, their culture and their heritage from their parents.  If possible, try to arrange for your child to spend most of her time near you .
  3. Freedom within limits.  Children need to be active.  They touch, taste, smell and listen.  When children are restrained excessively by being strapped in car seats, carriers, playpens, her horizons are being limited.
  4. Involve your child in family life.  If a child is always banished to her own “play room,” she will not be able to learn so quickly how to function within a group and how to control her won environment and become independent.  It is through watching, helping and participating in daily activities, such as making the beds, washing the dishes, shopping, cooking and eating meals as part of the family, that your child will learn these things.
  5. Meeting your child’s needs not only physically but psychologically.  A child constructs her unique personality by interactions with the environment.  Her physical needs are food, clothing, shelter and safety plus enough space to move around.  Psychological needs are love, social acceptance and respect for her as a human being.
  6. Positive discipline.  It is much better to teach your child to do things the right way rather than concentrating on correcting her when she does them the wrong way.  If necessary, be prepared to show her how to do something over and over again until you are sure she understands what is needed.  Try to help her develop self-discipline by example, encouragement and reason.