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Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 3

October 6, 2014/in Blog /by access

Today we continue exploring the benefits of interacting with your child in a Montessori way by looking at a seemingly contradictory but key principle: Freedom Within Limits. Freedom Within Limits According to Maria Montessori, “A child’s work is to create the person he will become.” Freedom within limits is a Montessori principle that is […]

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 2

September 29, 2014/in Blog /by access

Today, we continue exploring the benefits of interacting with your child in a Montessori way by examining two core values of a Montessori classroom: Structure and Stability. Structure and Stability Every family has its own structure. In a Montessori classroom, there is a schedule or rhythm that helps children stay focused. Routines give children […]

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 3

October 6, 2014/in Blog /by access

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 2

September 29, 2014/in Blog /by access

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Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 3

October 6, 2014/in Blog /by access

Today we continue exploring the benefits of interacting with your child in a Montessori way by looking at a seemingly contradictory but key principle: Freedom Within Limits.

Freedom Within Limits

According to Maria Montessori, “A child’s work is to create the person he will become.” Freedom within limits is a Montessori principle that is very important. Freedom allows children to follow their interest and become more independent. Limits give children the latitude to be creative while establishing boundaries. If you observe a Montessori morning, you will find a 2 – 3 hour uninterrupted world period. During this time, children are receiving individual or small group lessons. It is also during this time that students choose their own activities. A child may begin in any area of the classroom, reading a book, washing clothes, using golden bead materials; the choices are boundless. As long as the child is engaged in meaningful world, the teacher does not get involved. She will observe. This freedom is not unlimited – the teacher has constructed an environment and invisible structure that the child has internalized. Each child earns his independence over time. In that same observation, you may notice one child who is always sitting next to the teacher or next to another student watching him/her work. The teacher is providing opportunities for that child to see how an activity is started, worked with, and then restored. The child observes this over and over again and will then ask the teacher if he too may have a turn to do such work. The teacher will present a lesson and step back to see if the child can work independently. If he works successfully, he will be left alone. If he needs more guidance, the teacher will provide him more opportunities to observe.

At home, parents should provide activities that engage the child’s interest and opportunities for the child to play alone. Televisions are not interactive and should be used sparingly. Puzzles, blocks, dolls, and other activities that stimulate imagination are encouraged. Avoid interrupting your child as they play.

Do not worry that you need to entertain your child. A bored child is a child who is yet able to solve his/her own problems. Create a jar with suggested activities for your child and continue to add to it.

Suggestions are:

Create a book (or picture book for young children)
Build a fort
Ride your bike
Brush the dog or cat
Listen to music and dance
Clean out the area where you sit in the care
Create a treasure hunt with clues
Bounce a ball
Journal
Play with costumes

Join us next Monday as we explore our next opportunity to interact with your child in a Montessori way, through Mutual Respect.

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 2

September 29, 2014/in Blog /by access

Today, we continue exploring the benefits of interacting with your child in a Montessori way by examining two core values of a Montessori classroom: Structure and Stability.

Structure and Stability

Every family has its own structure. In a Montessori classroom, there is a schedule or rhythm that helps children stay focused. Routines give children a sense of security and help them develop self-discipline. As humans we have many fears – one is fear of the unknown. Children are constantly confronted by change – change in themselves, the places they go, and the people they meet. With a predictable schedule, children feel safe to develop and master new techniques and adapt to adjust to a new babysitter; as the child matures, it may mean being prepared for a sleepover at a friend’s house. Constant, unpredictable changes erode the sense of safety for the child and lead to anxiety or an inability to adapt to change.

Structuring the child’s surroundings and developing a routine teaches children how to control themselves and their environments. Children not taught this skill at a young age may find it difficult to care for themselves as adults. Structure allows the child to internalize healthy habits.

Join us next Monday as we explore our next opportunity to interact with your child in a Montessori way, through Freedom Within Limits.

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Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 3

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 2

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 3

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 2

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Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 3

Interacting With Your Child in a Montessori Way – Part 2

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