We are in the beginning stages of learning the expansive world of Montessori. I wanted to share with you our experience with this way of living and why we’ve chosen to incorporate this lifestyle into Sophie’s childhood.
A lot of people ask ‘why’ when I tell them about the practices we’re using with Sophie. ‘Why would you put her in a big kid bed at age 15mo?’ ‘Why would you put all of her stuffed animals out of reach in her room?’ ‘Why would you take away toy boxes?’ Our answers: ‘Because she is happier to decide when she’s tired and wants to go to bed. She’s also happier when she gradually wakes up by reading alone before coming out to be with us.’ ‘She still has her Elmer who she sleeps with but makes a special point when she wants to play with her other stuffed animals (which is rare.)’ ‘By setting all of her toys out on a shelf for her to easily access, she’s not riffling through toys to find what she wants to play with. She will become better at putting toys away if there’s a designated spot for everything.’ The biggest reason we’ve decided to teach Sophie using Montessori is to instill independence from the beginning.
Sophie and I attended a parent/tot Montessori class last semester and both loved it. She was 16 months at the time and, I thought, too young to be in that program after the first day. I spent the hour following her around washing everything she’d put in her mouth, stopping her from eating the markers, beans, rocks, crayons and every other tool the other kids were using to learn. I’d asked her teacher if Sophie and I should try again the following semester because I didn’t want to hinder the other children’s learning. Thankfully, her teacher wanted Sophie to stay and give it another try, of which I am eternally thankful.
Sophie blossomed in that class. At the beginning of the 6 week class, she wanted nothing more than to play with the kids rather than the activities in the classroom. The other students were two and not interested in sharing with ‘a baby’ but Sophie never gave up. By the end of the 6 weeks, Sophie was able to play along side of her friends, assembling puzzles, matching objects to cards, coloring, and reading.
We’ve only just begun to research the complexity of Montessori. I’m most focused on learning the ‘why’ behind the activities we’re working on. Which activities help with math, language, sensoral and practical life. The blessing and curse of today’s technology is the sheer amount of information. It has been difficult to find resources that are clear and outline the activities well.
If you’re interested in beginning your journey with Montessori, my first suggestion is to do a parent/tot class. Having access to a trained Montessori teacher is the best way to learn. Listening to how Sophie’s teacher interacts (but mostly observes) the children was immeasurable. Also, Sophie really loved her teacher and friends in school, which made those two days per week really fun. I’ve also been enjoying Deb Chitwood’s site Living Montessori Now. She taught her children through High School using Montessori, owns a Montessori school and is now teaching her granddaughter (who is Sophie’s age which helps with knowing when to introduce different activities).
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What are your thoughts on Montessori? Have you heard of it or know anyone who has been taught with these methods? I’ve pinned some great resources so far if you’re interested in learning more about Montessori.
Such a good idea to teach them independence when they’re younger, like putting their own toys away. It will benefit in the long run. My son is always asking where such-and-such is because he hasn’t learned to put things away. Our fault. But we’re slowly working with him :). We are also teaching O to put away her books when she’s done reading and to help clean up. That’s definitely a work in progress. I’m not that familiar with any philosophy of teaching kids so you are certainly dedicated! I’m sure you’ll continue to incorporate more of their teaching into your home and it’ll become seamless.
It’s never too late to teach how to put things away! It’s not only for her, but for our sanity. 😉
Hi Shelly! I’m so happy that you and Sophie went through this kind of class. Reading this makes me think that you’ll certainly go a long way and Sophie will sure be able to maximize her learning. There are Montessori schools in our country and they can be pretty expensive but heard that they’re really good too.
My son doesn’t have his own room just yet. He still sleeps with us but he knows how to keep his toys and clean up on his own but he needs to be reminded most of the time. He’s only (almost) 4 years old.
I love Sophie’s room by the way!
You’re right Rea, they are on the more expensive side of schooling. Thankfully, since it was only 6 weeks it wasn’t too bad and we learned a lot that we can apply without having to go to school for a whole year. That’s so good that he knows how to put his toys away and pick up (even if he needs a nudge!)
Just found your site and I love it! I love seeing this transition documented! Even though my little girl is only 3 months old, I am planning on implementing a Montessori/Reggio/Waldorf feel as she grows. I taught preschool for a few years before becoming a SAHM and I’m so excited to see how you continue to use Montessori!
Oh yay Natalia! I’m glad you are following along with our Montessori learning process! We just moved this past weekend and I’ve already called the Montessori in town to set up a tour! They have a toddler program! I haven’t set up her new room yet because we want to paint first but I’ll definitely document her new Montessori room as well. 🙂 Lydia is a doll by the way!! 🙂
This looks amazing. I love that up and down balance beam. Do you know who makes it? We’re trying to work on our balancing skills here.
I have no clue who makes it and I not longer live in that state to go over and check for you!
love your daughters room. am looking to redo my kids room. where are the bunk beds and shelves from?
Thank you 🙂 The bunk bed is from IKEA and we made the shelves with wood and brackets from the hardware store.
Thank you for sharing this, just working on the task to organize room for twins! However, dificult to find online resources about methods and activites. I would apreciate some guidance in that sence. Thank you in advance! Varja from Serbia
How old are they? There are a lot of resources if you search ‘sibling room’ and moderate based on their age/skill level. The biggest key is to remember to keep it simple. You don’t want distractions for a room that is meant for peace and sleep. If you have any ‘toys’ make it a few books or blocks or simple educational type toys. Bunk beds are always great if they’re old enough to use the ladder.
Thank you for the quick reply! They are 10 months old and we have a small, really small room for them, but I think the bed ideas like you did for Sophia will work well, and simple shells for couple of toys, like you said. I will, however, follow your advice and search for some adjustment for smaller children. They tend to hit their heads all around when they crawl, so am afraid a bit of shelves with sharp edges.