Montessori At Home
Alison Petersen • May 10, 2024

Montessori education is most commonly associated with Montessori schools, but it's not limited to those four walls. Anyone – parents, caregivers, educators – can make a Montessori environment at home.


While there's no manual for raising a child, there is one for creating an environment where any child can use their inherent ability to learn through the world around them. For over 100 years, parents have used the Montessori philosophy of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori to help their children physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially explore their expanding world.


Parents do not need to feel pressured to incorporate Montessori into every aspect of the home. Start with one area, and watch your child become independent and eager to be a contributing member of the family. Over time, add another area and then another.


Below are some suggestions in how to incorporate Montessori philosophy and the prepared environment into different areas of your home.


The Prepared Environment at Home

The prepared environment for the child is not a concept that is exclusive to the classroom. You can take a few small steps to create a well-prepared Montessori environment in your own home that will foster a sense of independence and self-sufficiency within your child.


In the Car

Make sure you keep the inside of your car tidy and neat. Avoid having trash or leftover food lying around. Allow the child to buckle themselves up if they can. Play child-friendly music or classical music.


In the Bedroom

Select a bed that the child can easily access and encourage them to make their own bed. Select appropriate toys and place them on shelves that they can reach on their own. Encourage them to keep their room looking neat and beautiful. You can also put their clothing and shoes in a place where they can easily access them so that they can dress themselves.


In the Kitchen

Invest in some kitchen tools and utensils that are child-sized, so they easily fit in the child’s hands. Consider a kitchen ladder or stool so that the child can help you prepare meals. Use real plates and cups as opposed to cardboard or plastic ones. Have cleaning tools the child can use, so if they spill anything, they can tidy up after themselves.


In the Playroom

Utilize child-sized furniture. Arrange the room so that any artwork or shelves are at the eye level of the child. Have a table and chairs for them to do work. Try to focus on toys and materials made from wood and natural materials. Establish a rule that the child can use one toy or activity at a time, and then put it away neatly when finished. If you have a lot of toys, a good option is to rotate them, changing it up every now and then so that the child has choice, but isn’t overwhelmed.


In the Bathroom

Place a stool next to the sink and toilet so that the child can access them without assistance. Walk the child through a good hygiene routine and give them the space to do it on their own. Explain that they should take pride in being clean and neat. Encourage them to keep the bathroom clean.


Outdoor Space

Aim to have a place for your child to play outside if possible. Set up some child sized furniture or a safe play structure. Explain to them that it is important to be gentle with the nature around them, not to pull on leaves or flowers, instead to observe with their eyes. Gardening is a nice bonus, it’s a great sensorial activity, and the child will be able to observe nature at work and feel pride in keeping their garden beautiful.

summer

Summer Activities for Montessori Children

By Alison Petersen • June 12, 2025
As parents of Montessori students, it is important to find the balance between the freedom and bliss of summer without losing the routines and knowledge for which you and your child worked so hard during the school year. The following are a few suggestions from the educators at Pincushion Hill Montessori School. Schedules: We encourage you to ease up on your children’s schedules and routines during the summer months. Bedtimes and waking times can be moved around so you can enjoy the relaxation offered by the summer months. We do encourage you to start easing back into your school year schedule a few weeks before school starts up again in the fall. Journaling: Help your children select a blank book or journal. Encourage them to record something in this book every day during the summer. This helps with literacy skills and creative writing. It also has the potential to serve as a keepsake your children will cherish for years to come. As summer sets in and siblings begin to squabble, redirecting your Montessori children toward journaling their feelings can also aid with conflict resolution. A summer journal can become an annual tradition for your family. Family Visits: It’s great family bonding time exploring local resources and places of interest. Historic homes, farms, zoos, walking trails and many other interesting opportunities that are close to home can be fun and educational adventures. Take small field trips throughout the summer and include your child in the planning. Around the House: Include your children in your daily household activities. If they aren’t doing so already, summer is the perfect time to encourage their assistance with planning meals for the week, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Gardening: Tending to (or starting) a family garden at your home is a great idea. This will continue the education they receive at TMA, yield delicious rewards, and encourage growth in the craft of sustainability. Cooking: Involve your child in home cooking ingredients and recipes. This will foster learning, and make them more independent in years to come. Reading: Start a family book club by suggesting one or two book titles that they have not read. If some members of your family too young to read, end every evening by taking turns reading a book aloud. The anticipation of knowing what will happen next will keep everyone coming back for more. Family Games: Put together a scavenger hunt for your children. This can be a great option for a rainy day, but on a sunny day you can include biology and botany related clues outdoors. The hunt can be fun and educational in origin, testing your children’s knowledge or research skills. Ask: For specific academic skills that may need work or refreshing over the summer, do not hesitate to ask your child’s Montessori teacher, or your child himself. Identify what could be practiced, and create an easy routine that makes practice time enjoyable and fun. Pincushion Hill Montessori School is a school that enriches and educates children using the Montessori Method focused on academic subjects like math, language, science, sensorial and practical life. The private, year-round school was founded in 1962 and accepts children from 18 months old up to six years old. Students at the school are exposed to Montessori-style teaching approaches, including individual learning according to each child’s style and pace, multi-age classrooms that allow children to advance when they are ready, and a nurturing of students’ natural curiosity. 

Why Is a Parent School Partnership So Important in Montessori?

By Alison Petersen • April 24, 2025
Montessori education is not just about the classroom; it extends to the home environment and relies heavily on collaboration between parents and teachers to create a harmonious and effective learning experience for the child. Here are several reasons why a parent-school partnership is so important in Montessori education: Consistency in Approach One of the fundamental principles of Montessori education is consistency in the approach to child development. When parents and teachers work together, they can ensure that the child receives consistent guidance, expectations, and values both at home and in the classroom. This consistency promotes a sense of security and stability for the child, making it easier for them to adapt to the Montessori method. Understanding and Support Parents who are actively involved in their child's Montessori education gain a deeper understanding of the method and its principles. This understanding enables them to provide better support at home, reinforcing the concepts and values learned in the classroom. When parents and teachers share a common understanding of the child's development, they can work together to address any challenges or specific needs that may arise. Reinforcing Independence Montessori education places a strong emphasis on fostering independence in children. When parents and teachers collaborate, they can reinforce this independence by encouraging the child to take ownership of their learning and daily routines. Parents can create a Montessori-friendly environment at home, while teachers can provide guidance on age-appropriate tasks and activities. Individualized Learning Montessori classrooms prioritize individualized learning experiences tailored to each child's unique needs and interests. When parents are actively involved, they can provide valuable insights into their child's personality, learning style, and preferences. This information helps teachers design personalized learning plans that maximize the child's potential. Extended Learning Opportunities Learning doesn't stop when the child leaves the classroom. Parents can continue the Montessori experience at home by engagning in activities that align with Montessori principles. This extension of learning beyond school hours enhances the child's educational journey and reinforces the importance of learning as a lifelong endeavor. Children thrive when home and school work in harmony!