Montessori Philosophy at Home
By: Allison Mattingly
Montessori Parent and Teacher’s Assistant
EnvironmentWhat does Maria Montessori say?
“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experience.”
“Plainly, the environment must be a living one, directed by a higher intelligence, arranged by an adult who is prepared for
his mission.”
What does it mean for a child at home?
Environments that need arranging:
• Child’s Room
• Closet/Clothes System
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Other?
• Questions to Ask: • What is done in this space? By the
child? By the parent?
• Can my child do everything he or she is expected with the current arrangement?
• How can I as the parent direct my child with the environment versus my words or directions?
Photo Courtesy of Three Oaks Blog
IndependenceWhat does Maria Montessori say?
“Never help a child with a task he feels he can succeed.”
“When dealing with children there is a greater need for observing than probing.”
Encouraging Independence
• Independence due to the set environment
• Frustration is (actually) your child’s friend
• “Chores”
• Invitation versus Command
Parent as Teacher
What does Maria Montessori say?
“But an adult if he is to provide proper guidance, must always be calm and act slowly so that the child who is watching him can clearly see his
actions in all their particulars.”
What does this look like?
• Children will always “do as we do” versus “do as we say”
• Show don’t tell
• Invitation and inclusion whenever possible
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