The physical set up of the home can help further develop a child’s sense of independence, order, concentration, and coordination. Some minor adjustments and activities can be added to aid your child’s development. The best way to begin is to get as low to the floor as your the child(ren) and look all around the room, asking, ‘How is this room helping my child to be more independent?’ You may find that the simplest of changes can allow your child to do tasks for him or herself. It is best to observe the children in your family to understand what it is they may need or not need to be more independent in their everyday activities.
This Monday, I’d like to focus on the play space. It may be the basement, the den, or even the child’s bedroom toy area in your home. Sometimes it is a shared space serving both adults and children, so everyone’s needs have to be considered.
For example, art hanging at all levels of the eye will allow tall and small family members to see them. Adding puzzles, crafts, and board games encourages cooperation among family members and allows for practice in taking turns and sharing. One of the classic tokens of Montessori is returning things to their place when finished. In order for the children in the family to have success at this, they will need a place to keep it. The best storage in our home is a hope chest, where the children keep their things. It’s the perfect height for them to see what they want to do, and the perfect height to return things to their home. I’ve seen the same done with coffee tables or side tables. Bookshelves with baskets full of toys, art supplies, or materials will display the choices well, and is esthetically pleasing to the whole family. As the adult, we can ensure that little ones can choose their own activities by keeping what is available neat and uncluttered.
In our home, the playroom is a place for the children to work with their art, read books, and use the materials. We spend a lot of time there, so it has to be attractive to all of us. I love looking at the art made by the girls and they are very proud of their work, so I hung it all over the room. Their big workbench provides table space for all of them, and a guest. There’s a place to snuggle and read books, and plenty of floor space for yoga, work mats, and puzzles. We love our Montessori-inspired playroom!
Jessie is a mother of three beautiful daughters (twin tots & a preschooler), an AMS trained Montessori teacher of 40 students, and a wife to one. Jessie has a background in dance, a yoga certification, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Jessie has a childhood education blog at http://educationofours.blogspot.com/. This post will be linked up to One Hook Wonder.
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WilliamSah
Friday 6th of May 2016
Say, you got a nice forum topic.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Jody @ Mommy Moment
Friday 6th of May 2016
Thank-you
Candace Jones
Wednesday 13th of July 2011
Thank you so much for sharing. I've been frustrated with the lack of organization and clutter in our home. I realize now that keeping our daughter in mind while decorating the entire home and not just her room, is part of the solution. These were wonderful pointers that will be put into practice asap! Where did you find the front display book holder and long desk with stools? Thank you again. Candace
Susana@MontessoriCandy
Sunday 10th of April 2011
I love those Eeboo cards! I bought a set for my girls room and love it. I've seen those cards displayed at adult eye level elsewhere in the "blogoshpere" , and thought it was too bad that people weren't placeing them at child level. I sometimes think that some adults may be decorating the rooms for themselves in a way, instead of thinking about the child and how they view the world. I don't think they do it purposfuly, but it just ends up being that way. I loved this post, thank you for sharing! -Susana
Katie Hurley, LCSW
Wednesday 16th of March 2011
Beautiful play space! I love having everything within reach for the kids. They feel so confident when they can get their own toys and put them away. Family puzzle time is one of our favorite activities! Great post!
The Education Of Ours
Tuesday 15th of March 2011
The flower cards in the wall are by Eeboo, there are many varieties. I also love their nature matching game. The letters my girls left out on the table are Montessori Sandpaper Letters. Thanks everyone!