Your child is thriving in the Montessori classroom. You see signs of increased independence, love of work and growing social skills. How do we prepare our homes to continue this great work of the child?
School and home are, and should be different. We do not need to create an academic world at home. Think how we would feel if we arrived home from a challenging job only to find our job has been recreated at home and we need to continue working that same way.
The 3-6 year old child can be summed up in this phrase: "Help me to help myself." This is the time for developing the mind and body for the great work to come. Independence grows as children learn to care for themselves and their home. Their intellect develops with stories, songs and books in the home, with toys that support their curiosity about how the world works. The strong sense of order that is part of this age is developed with a place for everything and everything in its place in the home. Concentration comes from time to contribute to the home and to have time to focus on their interests, So how can we create this in our homes?
Let's look at each room:
The living room: A child size chair and table, a low shelf for books, a shelf for a few toys, perhaps a small lamp on the table. Toy boxes are not ideal as they cannot give the child a place for belongings.
It is nice to have some art work displayed at the child's eye level. Be aware that if a television or other electronics are in use your child is absorbing what is being seen and heard, even if they appear to be not paying attention. Remember that for this age child only 1/2 hour a day of all screen time combined is a safe level.
The kitchen: This is an area of great interest. A small step stool to give access to the sink for hand washing and food preparation, a child size apron on a low hook, an area in the refrigerator with a small tray holding water and snacks, child size kitchen tools and a basket containing cloths for cleaning up spills all contribute to fun and a sense of independence. Low plates, flatware and glasses so the child can set the table.
The bathroom: A step stool for the sink and toilet, a small bar soap or a liquid dispenser that the child can operate, A low towel bar for hand and bath towels A basket or container for bath toys. Be sure your child can reach the toilet paper unassisted.
The bedroom: Be sure your child's bed is not too high to get into unassisted and easy to make up. Light blankets help with making the bed. A small flashlight for comfort in the dark. A bookshelf and perhaps a small rocking chair or other comfortable seat. Shelves for a few toys which can be rotated to help the child be organized. A low drawer for folded clothes and low hangers and hooks. A shoe rack. Televisions, cell phones and video games should never be in the bedroom. They are a distraction from relaxation and sleep.
Outdoors: Child size gardening tools and a watering can. A small bucket and sponge to help with washing the car or bikes. Sidewalk chalk in a basket. A parking spot for bikes and other riding toys.
These are a few beginning ideas to help your child's sense of independence and capability.
Remember that this age child is working for the experience, not the result. Be sure to acknowledge the effort and not the result: "You made your bed! The pillow is at the top and your pajamas are put away. The blanket in on the bed. You are taking care of your room." Now the blanket is not smooth and is dragging on the floor, the pillow is crooked..and it is important not to correct at this point. It is helpful to show the child the first time, then let their observation gradually improve.
Giving all family members opportunities to contribute to the family and the home will result in increased confidence, eagerness to work and a strong connection to the family and the home. You are setting the stage for responsibility and joy in work...life skills that will be valuable all through life.
The next post will give ideas for the 7-15 year old! A very different child indeed.
