Montessori is a philosophy that should extend far beyond classroom walls. Montessori is a lifestyle, not simply an educational method. Dr. Maria Montessori believed strongly in the concept of education of the whole child and subsequently developed materials and lessons in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Life Sciences. Practical Life included work such as dressing frames that teach children how to use a zipper and how to button but the true aim of Practical Life work is to develop fine motor skills, self control and concentration. The fact that children learn how to pour a glass of water properly is a benefit of the work done in this area.
For many of you reading this article, however, you are expecting a baby or have an infant at home. So how does Montessori fit into your life? Is it possible to introduce Montessori to your child as early as, well, birth? The answer is an astounding, YES! Montessori is a way of life. One of the biggest challenges of Montessori teachers is having a child's learning end with the school day. Montessori should be alive and well in the child's life outside school, at home and out in the real world. For the full article on easy & inexpensive ways to integrate Montessori into your home, read my feature on WhattoExpect.com.
Warmly,
Marnie