A Montessori classroom seems like a well-oiled machine. Young children engaged in meaningful activities. Kids, who aren’t widely recognized for their organization, returning things where they belong. A low hum of busy work. Adults often out of sight. How does this happen? Can this type of environment be replicated at home?
Classroom procedures play a large role in the smooth functioning of a Montessori classroom. Lessons are given on the smallest details, like how to push in a chair and how to roll a rug. Thought is put into where each item in the environment goes. Transitions are thoughtfully outlined and practiced with the children. Ground rules are laid out carefully, ensuring that the children, adults and environment are respected and safe.
How can this be replicated at home? Here are a few strategies for supporting your children with smooth routines and transitions at home:
Prepare the environment. Only want your child to choose between a few outfits? Make those available and put the rest out of sight. Use this process for snack choices and toy choices. Taking the time to prepare the environment reduces unwanted behavior.
Set ground rules for your home. Respect for self, others and the environment should be at the center. Think to yourself: Is it dangerous? Is it destructive? Is it disruptive? Follow through with logical consequences and limits that are kind and firm.
Give lots of upfront guidance. Details that may seem obvious to adults are not so obvious to young children. Show children where to put their dirty clothes. Walk them through how to rinse their cereal bowl and put it in the dishwasher. Tell them exactly what to expect when it’s time to leave the library or a playdate. Show them how to gently turn the pages of the library books and return them to their place. Offering guidance upfront can help children manage the situation successfully and limit unwanted behavior.
Use positive phrasing. This means we tell children what they CAN do instead of emphasizing unwanted behavior. “You can walk,” is much clearer than: “Don’t run.” “You can draw on the paper,” is much clearer than: “Don’t draw on the table.”
Refrain from praise and rewards. In a Montessori classroom, you’ll find no potty candy or sticker charts. What you will find is children working joyfully without promise of reward or praise. You can practice this at home by offering encouragement in the place of empty praise. Instead of: “Good job!” Try: “Wow. You used a lot of color in that picture.” When possible, circle back to how your child feels about their accomplishment.
