During these times of enhanced home studies, you can set up Montessori preschool inspired workspaces at home to teach academic and practical life skills. Most of us don’t have the room or resources to create all 5 primary study areas, so start small and add more as room and skills allow.
Creating Order and Stability
Montessori preschools know that young children function better in a consistent environment. When drawing tools are always in one place and paper in another, your child learns that organization helps her spend more time on her activities and less preparing. Establishing a daily routine is important for the same reason, giving your daughter an expected sequence of events to look forward to.
Child-Sizing Workstations
Adult-sized furniture is not always comfortable for small children. Creating workstations in various parts of the home include installing child-sized furniture, dedicating lower shelves on a bookshelf, and generally giving children an area that fits them better. Every room is appropriate for a workstation containing items and tools related to that room.
The restroom workstations may contain neatly folded washcloths and towels, hand sanitizer, and items for brushing teeth. The kitchen workstation would then contain child-sized dishes, child-safe kitchen utensils, and other items for helping set the table and prepare meals.
Limiting Variety and Observing Choices
Too many choices at a given workstation can be overwhelming. Limit the number of options to ones that apply directly to the next task at hand. In turn, this helps children learn that different tools are appropriate for different activities and hones problem-solving skills.
In areas where the available options have equal value, pay attention to your child’s personal choices to gain a better perspective of her preferences and interests. By tailoring workstations to match your daughter’s interests, you give her more encouragement to tackle new ideas and try new things.
You do not have to create a complete classroom in your living room, but creating child-centric workstations in every room is a great way for children to learn. Give her access to the tools and materials appropriate for her skill level, and let her be an active part of your family.