Montessori in the home

By Abraham Ogunesan Ogunkanmbi.

Parents can support the Montessori programme at home by engaging in the following activities with the children.

1. Arrange bathroom facilities in a manner that is early accessible for your child… a bench for reaching the sink, washcloth, towel, toothbrush, and hairbrush. Perhaps a book or two at the child’s level.
2. For all those “I want” request, a small pitcher of juice or water on a low shelf in the refrigerator… so you can say, “You can help yourself”.
3. Encourage your child to organize and assist you in the household tasks … consider meaningful responsibilities your child can assume as a contribution to the family.
4. Show your child how to organize his/her toys and personal items’ so that he/she can easily reach and use them. Consider rotating items to simplify choices and renew interest.
5. Show your child how to clean up after working with something. Insist that one activity be put away before another is chosen.
6. Encourage your child to set the table, even if only his/her space. Give one item at a time to place on the table.
7. Encourage your child to dress himself/herself and promote independence. This demands patience on your part.
8. Let your child help you clear the table after a meal, reminding him/her to carry one thing at a time with both hands.
9. You are your child’s role model. Is your instruction positive, interesting, and stimulating?
10. Home is your child’s first school and a continuing stimulus. Whenever you are demonstrating a task for your child, move very slowly, showing what to do step-by-step.
11. Leisure shopping trips are of high interest to the young child. Help him/her to know your rationales for purchasing items… cost, quality and quantity