Menu

Creating a Montessori Home

Discover simple, easy ways to make your child's space comfortable, beautiful and educational, according to time-tested Montessori guidelines and principles. 

From birth through toddlerhood, preschool and Elementary years, the home is the foundational environment where your child plays, learns and grows. This is where they make countless discoveries, bond with the most important people in their life (you!) and form their understanding of the world. 

In Montessori education, we speak of the „prepared environment“ of the classroom being the key to the child’s development. The same thing applies to your child’s home! We know that children grow and learn better in places that feel safe, comfortable and stimulating, all at the same time – but how to accomplish that? Below are a few tips.

Montessori environment for kids at your home / Montessori pokojíček pro děti

Consider your child’s point of view

Here is some surprising information: children are smaller than adults. That means that they see a different perspective of every space. Get down on your child’s level – literally, sit or crouch down in their room – and consider, can they see and access their toys? Are the pictures and decorations actually in their sightline? Are the tables and chairs a comfortable height? Does the space fit their body, allowing for cozy nooks to snuggle down in?

Less is more

When you see our classrooms, you might notice there are no boxes and chests for materials (or toys), no piles and bins. Everything is easy to see, orient yourself in, and choose from. It is far better to have a handful of toys out and the rest locked away in a closet, and switch out the „seasonal offer“ regularly, than to overwhelm your child with choices. Rule of thumb: if your child hasn’t touched a particular toy in a week, it’s safe to put it away for a time; it will be that much more fresh and exciting when it appears again in the future.

Go natural

There is such an overwhelming quantity of plastic offered up to young children in our society. It’s understandable – plastic is cheap, easy to clean, and bounces when dropped – but by focusing on this one material, we are making children miss out on the many tactile pleasures of wood, porcelain, metal, glass, textiles and more. Whenever possible, offer your child real, natural materials that give them a wealth of sensory experiences as well as a real perception of beauty and a connection with nature.

Allow for both contrast and peace

It is a somewhat common and very unfortunate misconception that children need an endless barrage of bright colours and loud sounds to capture their attention. Of course, all people (not just the small ones) are drawn to bright and colourful things – but by bombarding our children with constant sensory overload they become more numb than stimulated. Provide a neutral, peaceful background – soft colours, light, naturally coloured furniture and fabrics – that will allow your child’s eyes and mind to rest; it will make their toys and activities stand out that much more.

Want to learn more? Read our next article:

TOILET TRAINING: A KEY HOW TO SUCCEED

Další články

Embracing the Multi-Age Group

It is no surprise to hear parents expressing doubts about a multi-age classroom, and questioning how children of different ages could work together harmoniously in the same environment, and if there are any benefits to this approach. 

Read more

IMSP Joins Roots & Shoots Program in Czechia!

We are thrilled to announce that IMSP has officially joined the Roots & Shoots program in Czechia! This exciting collaboration, led by our dedicated team member, Irena Andělová, marks a significant new chapter in our school’s commitment to nurturing confident, compassionate, and engaged global citizens.

Read more

It's a Long Journey But Worth It

Every morning, with any luck, a very enthusiastic and volume‑charged toddler and I make the 45 min…

Read more

Exploring Generosity and Art: Random Gifts of Art

This spring, as part of our Values curriculum and Art Program, we invited TEDx speakers Garret Garrels and Tim Holmes to lead a workshop at IMSP for our Elementary classes.

Read more

Benefits of Practical Life for Toddler Development

“The first thing to realize about these exercises of practical life is that their aim is not a practical one. Emphasis should be laid not on the word “practical” but on the word life. Their aim is to assist development.”                                          E. M. Standing, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work

Read more
21.04.2020
Join us for an Interactive Open House Register for
Baby & Me
Register for
Toddler & Me
Virtual tour