You’ve heard the words “Montessori Method,” but is that something you can do at home with your preschooler?
Find out all the details on Montessori Homeschool Preschool.
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What Is the Montessori Method?
In 1907, Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori began the “Montessori Movement.” This education style was founded on her belief that real life is a child’s best teacher.
Learning happens naturally when a child has the opportunity and freedom to learn from her environment.
The Montessori Method has become synonymous with a calm, child-centered environment.
The children direct their own activities and learn at their own pace.
This means they retain their natural curiosity and are motivated to learn.
Montessori is particularly popular in the preschool age as Dr. Maria Montessori believed this age to be the most important in a child’s educational journey.
She thought that a person’s intelligence was formed by the age of 6.
Up until then, you could influence your mind for the better and increase your capacity to learn.
Can You Do Montessori Preschool at Home?
The Montessori Method works wonderfully well in a homeschool setting.
This is because:
Multi-Age Learning Is Best
The Montessori Method is a one-room schoolhouse approach.
Children learn best in an environment with a mix of ages.
If your child has siblings, that will only enhance your Montessori homeschool preschool.
A Calm Environment Is Key
Montessori classrooms should be quiet and peaceful.
This can be difficult in a school with rowdy, active 3 to 5-year-olds.
The homeschool environment is generally quieter and calmer than its school counterpart.
Individualized Instruction
Although learning is child-directed, the role of the teacher is to make connections for the child.
What is she learning from that activity?
What other activities might she enjoy?
This type of one-on-one interaction is something you can offer as a homeschool parent.
Setting Up Your Montessori Homeschool Preschool
As the parent/teacher, you provide a rich learning environment for your child.
How do you set up a Montessori homeschool preschool?
Consider these suggestions:
Think “Attractive and Orderly”
You want the child to be drawn into learning, so that means setting up the room so it is appealing.
This doesn’t mean you need to hire a decorator.
Make sure everything is orderly and spacious.
Don’t crowd shelves.
Keep the floor and surfaces neat (your child can learn to clean up after himself!).
Consider the Space from a Child’s Perspective
Walk around the room on your hands and knees.
What do you see?
Purchase low shelves and child-sized tables and chairs.
Create Sections
Group items by subject categories.
Make a cozy reading nook, an art area, a place for math counters and manipulatives, a science and exploration section, and an imaginative play area.
Your child will be drawn to certain areas each day, and you want to have a few activities for her to explore in each section.
Emphasize Personal Responsibility
Personal responsibility is a key feature of Montessori education.
Dr. Montessori believed that this created motivated and self-confident learners.
Purchase child-size cleaning supplies like brooms and dustpans, gardening equipment like a small watering can, small cooking tools, and even basic carpentry tools.
Montessori Homeschool Preschool
As a parent and teacher, your role is to curate an appealing learning environment, help your child make connections, and give your child plenty of uninterrupted time to learn and play.
At this age, learning and playing are the same!
You can do Montessori homeschool preschool!