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Home » Montessori » At Home

Montessori in the Home Resources for Parents

An Overview of Montessori at Home

Montessori at Home Categories CoverThis content provides an overview of ways to bring Montessori in the home including the Montessori environments, Montessori activities, Montessori bedrooms, and Montessori parenting approaches.

Learn more about Montessori at Home by clicking on the topics below!

Six Secrets to Creating an Amazing Montessori Environment

By Marnie Craycroft 2 Comments Filed Under: At Home, Classroom, Montessori Tagged With: Home Organization This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

Montessori Space

When I first began learning about Montessori, it became clear that creating a Montessori environment at home was something I could absolutely achieve. The journey to Montessori has been wonderful for so many reasons. One big result is the effort to bring more simplicity into our home. In addition we want to create an environment that fosters develop of a child's whole self from basic skills like writing and reading to reasoning to life skills like independence.

Six Secrets to Creating a Montessori Environment

Here is a list of our goal in creating a peaceful space for our boys so they can play and learn to their potential.

#1 – Rotation

I didn't get rid of every item we own in order to create simplicity. For me, it is about organization. One way to achieve simplicity without limited the materials for your children is to rotate. We rotate books, writing materials, art materials, blocks, puzzles and a variety of other items about once every 3 weeks. You will be amazed at the response from your children. There is more peace and there is greater interest in materials that have been removed from their environment. They are familiar with the materials but have a new way of exploring them. [Read more…]

Filed Under: At Home, Classroom, Montessori Tagged With: Home Organization

A Guide to Designing Your Montessori Playroom

By Marnie Craycroft Leave a Comment Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Playroom This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

Montessori Play & Learning Space

How to Design a Montessori Playroom

Environments and spaces that are designed with the Montessori theory in mind are beautiful.  The simplicity and minimalist nature of Montessori encourage a relaxing and peaceful environment. 

When it comes to designing Montessori playrooms this theory encourages the perfect children's space. An open and peaceful demeanor naturally encourages creative and independent play. 

As you design your Montessori playroom ask yourself how every element is going to benefit your child's development and what it would take to optimize their growth.

montessori playroom

Build a Montessori Quiet Space

Variation in play spaces is beneficial in learning to cope with boredom. It is good for children to be bored sometimes because it encourages them to think creatively and listen to their intuition. A quiet space in their playroom will give your child a place to rest and have quiet time whenever they want.

This space could look like a floor bed that is designed as a cozy reading corner.  It could also be a section of playmats with pillows.

One more important component of this space is books that are accessible. Baskets and low shelving are to ways of displaying books in a playroom.   Here are some ideas for filling your book baskets. 

Montessori Playroom quite space

Montessori Playroom: Build an Active Space

In contrast to the quiet space, we also want an opportunity for active play.  It encourages the same independent play and self-regulation that a quiet space does.  If your child is in their playroom and wants to climb something, wouldn't the easiest option be to have a climbing structure in their playroom?

swing and balance beam in Montessori playroom

The goal is to allow a safe space that your child can actively play on their own. There are many different options.  I've seen balance beams, pikler triangles, swings, tunnels, slides, and trapeze bars.  Let's be honest a swing in the middle of a playroom looks pretty fun!

Related Read: DIY Montessori Activities

Ideas for an active montessori playroom

Child-Sized Everything

Remember that your child's playroom is for kids, so it should be designed with your their needs in mind. Children appreciate art and photos on the wall just as much as adults. Unfortunately, when it is too high on the wall, children can't see it. In your playroom place art low on the wall so they can look at it. While your baby is limited to the floor and building his strength to start crawling the art should be near the baseboard.  This is great! Your baby will love it! As they get older, can pull themselves up on the furniture and are learning to walk start moving the art further up the wall, so it will once again be at eye level.

Related Read: See How to Create a Beautiful Montessori Bedroom

Another amazing component of a Montessori playroom is a mirror.  These are affordable and easy to find. A basic full-length mirror should be placed horizontally along the bottom of the wall just as the art. As children grow older you can adjust the height and positioning of the mirror to suit their needs. 

Low mirror in a Montessori playroom

Furniture (also child-sized)

Open and low shelving is an important element of a Montessori playroom. It gives ample space and opportunity to display toys that are within the child's reach.  A small table and chairs are another great addition to a Montessori playroom.  Many children love having a table as a space for art, pretend play, reading, and puzzles. 

 
montessori child's playroom with kitchen set

Montessori Toys

We can't forget the toys! A Montessori playroom staple…or any playroom for that matter! Consider the same theory when you are choosing Montessori toys.  Toys should be simple, made from natural materials, encourage creativity, and have a lot of variation in their use! Many Montessori toys are suitable for infants and as the child develops they find more uses for these toys. 

You can find some of my favorite Montessori toys on this list! They will continue to be fantastic toys for years to come!

Montessori Toys for One-Year-Olds

The Best Montessori Toys for a One-Year-Old

 

Montessori Toys for Infants

Montessori Infant Toys

 

My Ultimate List of Montessori Toys

My Ultimate List of Montessori Toys, Materials & Resources

I hope you have enjoyed this guide to designing a Montessori playroom!  Keeping working on your Montessori home with this post about creating a Montessori bedroom and this one about designing a Montessori bathroom!


Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Playroom

The First Steps to Montessori at Home for Infants

By Marnie Craycroft Leave a Comment Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Infant & Toddler This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

The First Steps to Montessori at Home with Infants

The Montessori approach is child-led and self-paced.  Teachers do not play the role of an instructor, rather they are a guide. A Montessori teacher offers knowledge as it applies to the child's pace and demonstrates leadership.  They create an enriched and nurturing environment that fosters the child's natural growth.

Take this approach as you develop a Montessori infant room that suits your child's individual growth. Your goal is to follow as a guide in your infant's growth, not to lead. Provide them with the proper Montessori infant environment and observe your child develop.

The First Steps to Montessori at Home with Infants

What is a Montessori Infant?

In Montessori theory an infant should have freedom, support, space to ask questions, investigate their environment, and make connections about the world through play. 

A Montessori Baby Is:

  • Confident
  • Independent
  • Curious
  • Excited to learn
  • Self-directed
  • Calm
  • Comfortable in their environment
  • Feels safe and secure

As you consider how to create this tranquil space, ask yourself some questions about each element you want to incorporate, including:

Will this encourage a natural opportunity for growth?

Is this going to foster Montessori learning for infants?

Are these toys going to inspire creativity and curiosity?

How do you Raise a Montessori Child?

Your child's space should be Montessori friendly.  This approach can extend to any part of the home as well. Here you can see how to develop a Montessori bathroom!

As your child develops, space will evolve with them. 

Montessori Infant Bedroom

Think simple, minimal, and calming. This space should be entirely baby proof.  That way you can allow them full independence to explore.

picture of a child enjoying their room

Elements of a Montessori Infant Bedroom

  • A floor bed
  • A mobile
  • Child-sized furniture
  • Natural materials: wood, cotton, fabric, bamboo, no plastic
  • Horizontal mirror attached to the wall
  • Low and open shelving
  • Low pictures on the wall
  • Light, natural, calm colors
  • Accessible toys
  • Everything at a child's height
  • Space to move
  • A reading nook

Montessori Baby Toys

As you are creating this Montessori space be sure the toys suit the calm environment you have developed.  Here is a collection of my favorite Montessori toys.  Montessori toys are designed to grow with your child. Your infant will start exploring and develop more intricate and imaginative play with the same toys as they get older.

picture of baby playing with montessori toys

ELEMENTS OF MONTESSORI INFANT TOYS

  • Natural materials: wood, cotton, fabric, not plastic
  • Toys are placed in child-accessible locations
  • Natural and calm colors
  • Simple
  • Encourage gross motor development
  • Mimic the adult world

I've written a list of my favorite Montessori infant toys, check it out!

Montessori Infant Bed

Low beds and floor beds are popular amongst Montessori parents, often being chosen over cribs. A crib was traditionally used to keep the infant confined in their bed. I don't know about you, but that doesn't sit right with me. Being confined to their crib is supposed to promote sleeping, but does it promote self-regulated sleeping? 

As long as your infant's bedroom is baby proof you may find a floor bed to be an optimal solution for your Montessori infant care plan.

example of floor bed

BENEFITS OF A FLOOR BED

  • Promote movement
  • Self-regulation
  • Freedom
  • Independence
  • Circadian rhythm regulation
  • Self-construction
  • Exploration

 

More Montessori Infant Resources

Montessori Activity Plan for Infants and Toddlers- Fantastic Elastic Brain

Montessori Toys: The Best for Infants

Montessori In The Home For Infants and Toddlers

Easy and Inexpensive Montessori Infant and Toddler Activities

Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Infant & Toddler

How to Create the Perfect Montessori Bathroom

By Marnie Craycroft Leave a Comment Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Bathroom This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

Two Kids in a Bathroom

This post outlines a few ways to create the perfect Montessori bathroom. Creating a Montessori at home environment doesn't have to be difficult or break the bank.  With that said, starting Montessori at home may seem overwhelming and that is why I am here to help! First things first, let's answer the question “What does it mean to bring Montessori into the home?” 

Key Aspects to Montessori at Home 

  • Kid-sized to optimize for accessibility and therefore build independence & confidence
  • Real objects such as a broom that can actually be used to sweep and a glass cup as opposed to a plastic sippy cup
  • Simple & uncluttered
  • Neat & Orderly
  • Minimal toys
  • Toy & learning material rotation
  • Language-rich environment
  • Aesthetically pleasing with real plants, art at the child's eye level, and natural light
  • Peace corner

How to Create a Montessori Bathroom

Related Read: See How to Create a Beautiful Montessori Bedroom

How to Create a Montessori Bathroom

2 Step Stool for Kids

The “2 step” is key for a growing child. I found that the one step stools, although a step in the right direction, don't quite do the trick. My son's still had to reach for the faucet or soap to get the job done. The two-step allows for the child to grow into the one step stool. 

Bathroom Storage Organizer

I love this bathroom storage organizer for a child's bathroom for few reasons. First, it is colorful and simple. Next, it allows for multiple kids' gear.

Artwork for a Child's Bathroom

This artwork is perfect to add to a child's Montessori bathroom area. The prints serve as great reminders, too! I love the bright colors and fun font.

Faucet Extenders

Faucet extenders are a key component of a child's Montessori bathroom and one Montessori at Home product that I have touted in the past and continue to do so!

Light Switch Extender

Same goes for the light switch extender. Perhaps THE easiest item to add to your home, the light switch extender packs a big punch and helps the child's developing independence and confidence.

Nail Brush

I recently added nail brushes to our bathrooms. It is as though my boys dig their fingers into dirt all day long. In addition to developing a nail cutting routine, the nail brush helps a ton to keep little fingers clean not to mention it harkens back to Montessori's traditional handwashing lesson.

Soap Dispenser

This dispenser is adorable and inviting to any child. Honestly, I prefer touchless soap dispensers for obvious reasons. Plus they're great for adults & kids. How can you pass this frog soap dispenser up?

Face Cloth & Mirror 

A great way for a child to learn to clean his face is by using a mirror and fun & colorful washcloths. If you can't get the wall mirror to be at eye level, offer a stool or a hand-held mirror for the child to use. 

Organic Bathroom Cleaners

I have three boys and I encourage them to clean up after themselves on a daily basis. I personally like Mrs. Meyers cleaning products. We keep toilet bowl cleaner, cleaning wipes, and multi-surface cleaner in the bathroom cabinet for the boys to use. 

Additional Montessori at Home Resources

  • The video above is a great one to get you started with bringing Montessori into your environment.
  • Setting Up Your Montessori Home eCourse

  • The Montessori Toddler

Related Reads: More Montessori Home

  • See How to Create a Beautiful Montessori Bedroom
  • All You Need for a Montessori Baby Bedroom
  • A Guide to Designing Your Montessori Playroom
  • The First Steps to Montessori At Home For Infants

Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Bathroom

The 7 Most Beautiful & Easy to Use Toddler Bedtime Routine Charts

By Marnie Craycroft Leave a Comment Filed Under: At Home, Executive Functioning Tagged With: Chores and Routines, Home Organization This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

Colorful Toddler Bedtime Checklist

This post includes the BEST toddler bedtime routine charts. I spent months researching and scouring the internet and beyond to find the most beautiful and most effective toddler bedtime routine charts out there! Why? Because establishing a routine is ridiculously important to child development and your family mental health.

Lauren Tamm of Military Mom and Wife and parenting expert emphasizes in her viral article Boundaries, Routines, and Early Bedtimes: 13 Habits That Raise Well-Adjusted Kids that:

There’s so much of childhood that is new and challenging for kids. Learning self-control and empathy. Learning how to be a friend and interact with others. These are all very BIG things for kids. Using something as simple as printable routine cards can help kids feel grounded and relaxed. In fact, knowing what to expect at mealtimes, mornings and bedtimes can bring a sense of relief to even the most carefree child.

My All Time Favorite Toddler Bedtime Routine Charts

Toddler Bedtime Routine Charts

Toddler Bedtime Printable from Etsy

Custom Personalized Kid Routine Checklist

The author of this best selling bedtime routine checklist makes it easy to customize for your child and your family. She designs the product with cute and simple visual icons to make it easy for a toddler to follow.

Help Your Child with Nighttime Routine - Toddler Evening Routine Chart

Toddler Evening Routine Checklist

The design of this checklist is straightforward and easy on the eye. The illustrations are colorful and simple. This checklist won't overwhelm you or your toddler. 

Checklist for a Boy

Bedtime Routine Checklist for a Boy

I like the active voice in this checklist letting a child know that it is time to take action on his routine. Plus the colors remind me of superheroes and who doesn't love to think about superheroes especially when tackling an evening routine?

Routine Cards for Kids

Printable Toddler Bedtime Routine Cards

By the same author a few checklists up, I chose to display this product because of the format. Having cards allows the parent variations on how to use. For example, you could laminate the cards, put velcro on the back, use clips, and so on. There are a variety of ways to implement these handy routine cards into your nighttime system. 

Colorful Toddler Bedtime Checklist

Bedtime Checklist for Toddlers

Super simple & colorful. I appreciate the color scheme and the inviting tone of this product.

Magnetic Routine Chart

Magnetic Routine Chart

Kids love magnets and a magnetic routine chart works extremely well in any home. Toddlers can easily keep track of their progress by moving a magnetic card from one side of the routine chart to the other side. Super easy for kids to use!

Adorable Evening Routine Chart

Adorable Toddler Evening Routine Chart

I couldn't resist this beautiful evening routine chart. So inviting to kids. The colors are calm and peaceful while the illustrations make you want to be a part of the scene.

If you want to keep exploring, check out this list of 12 Brilliant chore charts for kids!

Related Read: How to Help Scattered Kids Conquer Every Day Life Skills

Filed Under: At Home, Executive Functioning Tagged With: Chores and Routines, Home Organization

My All Time Favorite Montessori Mobiles for Your Baby’s Room

By Marnie Craycroft Leave a Comment Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Brain Development, Infant & Toddler This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

I had so much fun researching & writing this post for my Montessori babies! My criteria for an exceptional Montessori mobile is pretty straightforward. The mobile needs to be simple, inviting to the eye, and be a calming presence in a baby's room. Generally speaking, a Montessori bedroom should be soothing, minimalistic, beautiful to the eye, neat, orderly, and made up of high-quality materials.

Sounds easier said than done, right?

My All Time Favorite Montessori Mobiles for Your Baby's Room

Well, the good news is that there are baby steps you can take to begin curated a baby's nursery that meets Montessori ideals. I am happy that I can be a part of that journey with you. There are three basic visual Montessori mobiles. I've included additional mobiles falling within the same category. The three Montessori mobiles are Munari, Octahedron, and Gobbi. 

Find the Perfect Montessori Mobile for Your Baby's Room

Simple Gender Neutral Mobile

I love the blues, greens, and yellows within this inviting mobile. Perfect for a boy's or a girl's nursery.

Black and White Montessori Mobile

Black & White Munari Mobile

The simplicity and balance of the black & white drew my eye into this piece. The Munari mobile stimulates and develops the visual cortex, prefrontal, and parietal portions of the developing brain in newborns. The youngest children (0 – 12 weeks) should explore the Munari mobile and is certainly welcomed into development as long as the child continues to show interest.  

Hot Air Balloon Infant Mobile

Hot Air Balloon Infant Mobile

I want this mobile for above my bed! How gorgeous & inviting to the imagination!

Gorgeous Gobbi Mobile

A well-known concept in the Montessori world, this Gobbi mobile does not disappoint. What is Gobbi, you ask? The Gobbi Mobile consists of five spheres. It is the third in the Visual Mobile Series following the Munari and Octahedron Mobiles. 

Montessori Dancers Mobile

What a fun and joyful mobile to hang above a child's bed!

Montessori While Mobile

Montessori Whales Mobile

There is something soothing about nature and this mobile fits the bill. 

Montessori Octahedrons Mobile

After the baby has perceived basic shapes from the Munari mobile, the Octahedron is just perfect to give them an idea of basic colors.  Another mobile, the second to be specific, in the Montessori visual series. The mobile consists of three basic colors blue, yellow, and red. 

Montessori Black & White Pinwheel Mobile

Black & White Pinwheel Mobile

Similar impacts as Munari, this visual stimulates a child's developing brain while introducing an intriguing pinwheel shape.

I hope you enjoyed this list of Montessori mobiles. Please keep in mind while these mobiles are beautiful and ready to hang, it is highly possible to create a DIY Montessori mobile. Which one will you choose for your child's Montessori bedroom?

Marnie

Filed Under: At Home Tagged With: Brain Development, Infant & Toddler

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