What is Montessori parenting?
The Montessori Method has become one of the most popular parenting styles in recent years. There are tons of reasons for this, but the biggest might be that it works! This approach to parenting is based on scientific principles that help children learn and grow in a supportive, respectful, and engaging environment.
If you’re curious about Montessori parenting or want to learn how to get started practicing Montessori at home, keep reading to learn more…
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What is Montessori?
At its core, Montessori is an educational philosophy that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for the child. It was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 20th century.
(If you’d like to learn more about Maria Montessori’s life, this board book from the Little People, Big Dreams series is a great read for little ones!)
The main idea behind Montessori is that children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. As a result, they learn best through self-guided exploration and play. The method encourages hands-on learning and individualized instruction, allowing students of all ages and abilities to work at their own pace.
While the Montessori Method began as as an educational philosophy, it can easily be adapted to the home environment. Tons of families around the world have chosen to practice Montessori at home to help them raise more curious, confident, and independent children.
What are the basic principles of the Montessori Method?
According to the Montessori Method, children are naturally driven to seek out knowledge and learn new skills. To feed their curiosity, they need opportunities to explore freely, solve problems, make discoveries, experience new things, and challenge themselves.
One of the main jobs of the adult in a Montessori setting is to “prepare the environment” for the child. Little ones learn a ton just by exploring and interacting with the world around them. Parents can help facilitate this learning by setting up the home environment in a child-focused, organized, and engaging way.
In Montessori, children play an active role in their education, as well. The method emphasizes hands-on experiences, and encourages children to follow their interests and guide their own learning. Independence and practical life skills, like helping out in the kitchen or tidying up around the house, are also prioritized — especially in the early years!
Other common Montessori activities include sensory play, fine motor and gross motor practice, nature exploration, hands-on language and math activities, and all kinds of everyday “real world” experiences.
You Might Also Like: 48 Easy Montessori at Home Activities
What are the benefits of Montessori?
One of the biggest reasons for Montessori’s popularity is its effectiveness. Research suggests that Montessori-educated children enjoy a variety of benefits, including gains in confidence, social skills, and academic performance.
Here are a few more benefits of the Montessori Method…
- Psychological wellbeing, including self-confidence, engagement, & social trust
- Creativity & problem-solving skills
- Academic success, especially in math & science
- Sense of community
- Executive function skills, including self-regulation & discipline
For more info, check out this easy-to-read research summary from the NCMPS (National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector).
How to practice Montessori at home
You don’t have to enroll your child in a Montessori school for them to enjoy the benefits of the Montessori Method. Anyone can implement the main principles of Montessori at home!
Here are a few tips to help you get started…
- Provide freedom within limits: Set age-appropriate boundaries while giving your child plenty of opportunities to explore and discover the world around them.
- Encourage problem-solving: Offer encouragement as your child investigates and puzzles out problems. Work together to answer your child’s questions and tackle challenges like building a tall block tower or doing a puzzle.
- Nurture a love of learning: Foster a love of learning in your child by reading to them, exploring the world together, and providing positive reinforcement for trying new things. Focus on effort, not results.
- Foster independence: Encourage your child to take on new challenges and experiment with different ways of doing things. Support their attempts to build self-help skills.
Want to learn more?
Practicing Montessori at home is a great way to set your child up for success, both in school and everyday life. While it might seem overwhelming at first, getting started with Montessori at home can be a simple, no-stress experience — with a little guidance.
If you’re ready to dive in, check out these blog posts to learn more…
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- Getting Started with Montessori at Home (Age by Age Guide):
- 48 Easy Montessori-at-Home Activity Ideas
- The Ultimate Montessori Toy & Gift Guide
- How to Raise a Montessori Toddler
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