Montessori Mondays - 10 of 101

Across the board there is one list that is consistently posted on websites or given as a handout to parents who are researching Montessori education: 101 Ways to Help a Montessori Child by Barbara Hacker. While it is an outstanding list, taking all 101 at once, for me at least, can be a little counterproductive. Unless you have a highlighter, after about #25 the suggestions begin to blur together and you end up with a "well that was nice" feeling and a "I'll have to try that" when in truth you may have trouble even recalling the tips. So, for the next few weeks, I will be posting 10 of the 101 ways at a time with the hopes that it will make the list a little more effective and encourage you to really focus on one or two of the suggestions. I have put the main parts of each point in bold and on a few I will be adding some of my own tips; those are in parentheses and italics. Enjoy!

1. Read about Montessori education and philosophy and how it applies to your child. (In addition to this blog, check out montessorimom.com and Montessori:The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Lillard)
2. Subscribe to the The Michael Olaf Catalog. This wonderful publication is a clear introduction to Montessori for parents as well as a source book of ideal toys, materials, books, etc. for the home. (www.michaelolaf.com)
3. Take the time to stand back and observe your child carefully and note the characteristics he/she is displaying.
4. Analyze your child's wardrobe and build a wardrobe aimed at freedom of movement, independence, and freedom from distraction.
5. Make sure your child gets sufficient sleep.
6. Make going to bed and getting up a calm and pleasant ritual.
7. Teach grace and courtesy in the home. Model it. Use courtesy with your child and help your child demonstrate it.
8. Refrain from physical punishment and learn ways of positive discipline.
9. Have a special shelf where your child's books are kept and replaced after careful use.
10. Make regular trips to the public library, and become familiar with the librarians and how the library works and enjoy books together. Borrow books and help your child learn the responsibility for caring for them and returning them.