Applying the Montessori Method to Homeschooling
Applying the Montessori method to homeschooling is an extensive matter.
The Montessori method retains its tenets of self-learners, independence, and respect for natural abilities. All it requires by the parent is planning, sensitivity, patient understanding, and awareness of the child’s needs. This guide attempts to lead the parents through the steps to applying Montessori techniques in their homeschooling.
1. Know the Montessori Philosophy
Respect the Child
The most important principle of Montessori is to respect the individual abilities and interests of every child. Learning at the pace of the child is the very foundation on which the whole Montessori method rests.
Absorbent Mind
Children are highly sensitive up to 6 years of age and learn very quickly from the environment.
At this age, children absorb everything: language, behavior, all social skills.
Parents respect the style and pace with which the child learns.
Sensitive Periods
Children have certain periods when they are most able to learn a skill.
From 2-4 years, the emphasis may be put on language development while from 3-5 years on sequence and organization.
Activities chosen according to the child’s interest at this time will make for effective learning.
Prepared Environment
The home environment should be safe and easy to manipulate for the Montessorian child.
Children are free to explore, learn, and feel independent.
Auto-Education
Montessori believed that the real learning occurs when the child interacts with the environment and materials.
The guiding is what the parent should be doing, not the teaching.
2. The Home Environment
Remove and arrange unnecessary items
Keep the house clean and tidy.
Everything should have a home—everything has its place.
Ex: Different boxes or baskets for books, toys, art materials.
Child-sized furniture
Furniture, tables, and equipment should suit young children’s size.
This helps them with independent learning by sitting or working.
Shelving for low positions
Books and toys should be kept low on open shelves.
This will allow children to take materials and also to put back materials, which instills responsibility and independence.
Get involved in everyday life
Engage the child in household chores:
- Wiping dry clothes
- Cleaning
- Cooking
This contributes overly in making children self-dependent and self-reliant.
3. Practical Life Activities
Impart basic skills
Practical life activities consist of chores around the house and games.
They help develop coordination, self-reliance, and responsibility in the child.
For Instance
- Pouring and taking out water or cereal
- Carrying objects from one place to another
- Dressing and cleaning
- Cooking food and setting the table
4. Hands-on Sensorial and Language Materials
Learning by doing
Sensorial activities are most important in Montessori.
Learning with the help of one’s senses is provided by these activities.
For example: Colour blocks, shape blocks, and texture blocks.
Language Skills
Inject new words in conversations carried on in daily life.
Model pronunciations correctly.
Read books and tell stories.
Reading and Writing
Teach reading and writing by linking sounds to letters and words.
E.g. Building the word “book” by saying “ka”.
5. Work Period and Routine
Follow the interest of the child
Observe what activity the child is interested in the most.
Choose more activities and games along that line.
Short and focused times
Long lessons feel tiring for children.
Short and focused work times lasting 20-30 minutes will prove more effective.
Encourage self-directed work
Let the child himself choose activities to be worked on.
This habit teaches the child to learn independently.
6. Reflect and Reformulate
Join the Montessori community
Read through a couple of the books; look for practical manuals.
Join online communities.
It is a font of new ideas, plus a schmear of support.
Maintain fluidity
Methods are reached according to each child’s specific needs.
Following the child has remained the golden principle of Montessori.
Conclusion
Montessori homeschooling enhances independence, creativity, and self-reliance in children.
- Practical life and sensorial activities prepare children for real-life situations.
- Fostering of ever-early interest in language and reading.
- Enforcing the habit of self-directed and systematic learning.
With right guidance, proper environment, and constant observation, Montessori method unleash the full potential of a child at home.
