3 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Montessori Preschool
Montessori preschools have become exceptionally popular and for good reason. Montessori preschools are different from traditional infant and toddler daycare. The Montessori education style allows children to learn and work at their own pace and follow their own interests.
This system removes the stress and pressure of standardized programs, which contributes to its success in improving cognitive development and motivating creative minds at a young age.
If your child is getting ready to start at a Montessori preschool, there are some strategies you can use to help make their transition smooth and easy. Keep reading to learn three tips for preparing your child for Montessori school.
1. Start By Creating a Montessori Home
The best way to prepare your child for Montessori preschool is by creating a Montessori home. By creating a Montessori environment in your home, your child will become accustomed to the lifestyle. They will learn to be independent and explore safely and with respect. By the time it's time for preschool, they are more than ready for success.
Some simple ways to create a Montessori home include creating a child-friendly environment and letting your child roam freely. To make sure your home is safe and child-friendly, go through the house as if you were a child. See it from their eyes and perspective.
Then, remove or put items out of reach that may be harmful. Add child-size furniture and open shelves that are placed at their level so they can see and easily use items of their desire. This also helps them learn organizational skills.
Add stools in the kitchen and bathrooms so they can reach the counters and learn to conduct activities on their own.
The most important thing is to let your children care for themselves and be independent. You can even let them help with chores and daily tasks.
2. Model and Teach Respectful Behaviors
A large part of the Montessori school system is an environment of respect. We show our students respect and we expect them to show respect for their classmates and teachers. A great way to prepare your child for this is to model respectful behavior at home.
Greet your child as you would an adult. Use manners with them like please and thank you. Respect their preferences and opinions. And, of course, teach your child to do the same.
Your child will pick up on these habits and understand the social norm on their own, but it's also important to talk to them about why we use respectful behaviors and what those entail.
3. Teach Teamwork and Collaboration
While independent learning is a large part of the Montessori academy, we also teach and engage in group activities and collaborative learning. So, if you want to prepare your child for success at our Montessori preschool, you can start by including them in family tasks and group activities.
Teach your child that they are an important part of the family team which means they have their own roles and duties to follow. You can allow them to help with group chores (helping to fold their own laundry, setting the table, etc.). You can also implement group activities and games that use teams.
When asked and respected within these collaborative tasks, children enjoy helping and are proud of the part they contribute. Be patient and you're sure to have success.
Ready to Start Montessori Preschool?
With these three strategies, your child will be more than ready to begin Montessori preschool!
Check out our preschool program including how we teach various academic areas and practical life skills. If your child is not already signed up, contact us today to learn more and get started.
