How to have a Montessori lifestyle… for less
Maria Montessori, the creator of the Montessori philosophy, created this for the masses and those without. Somehow, these days, Montessori schools are only accessible to the affluent. Because of so many different reasons that make me aggravated.. BUT let’s control what we can control. You can make Montessori work in your home for a low cost and with minimal physical changes to your home.
A brief understanding of what a Montessori life is; a scientific approach where children have as much freedom and independence as they can in a prepared space. Montessori is about meeting kids where they are physically, psychologically and developmentally. Understanding their potential, guiding them to explore, learn and desire to develop skills and life long abilities. Montessori approach has children learning and practicing practical life skills and fosters independence. I wrote a 4 step process that is Montessori inspired. This process helps foster independence in toddlers and limits the need for redirection from parents and guardians.
Keeping items as practical as possible is important to the philosophy and your budget. New, modern, beautiful toys, works and experiences can be nice. However, practical and typical to life looking works, toys ad experiences are encouraged in this philosophy. We are preparing our children for life. Play, experiences and works are an amazing way to guide them to learn about the world around them. When you use natural colors and the items are as close to normal appearance children are less likely to be overstimulated, understand what that object is used for and be more successful in what they are doing. ,
Don’t forget less is more with Montessori. You want to keep their choices limited and inviting. Toy, activity and work rotations are important. Rotating toys for your child helps keep them engaging and inviting to your child. It also gives you a chance to give each item new life when it is rotated out. You can do this by cleaning, painting or adding new elements to match the developmental abilities of your child. We only keep 6 options out for our child at a time. We do a toy rotate roughly every two weeks. I outline this more in my 4 step program.
- Do your research first: Do this to decide what is going to work for your home and family before making purchases. There are so many books out there to get you started! (I have my suggested reads listed below). Doing the research first helps you learn through trial and error without purchasing items.
- DIY as much as you can: The idea that Montessori lifestyles have to be perfect, beautiful and full of expensive works, shelves and purchases keeps many people from even starting. Maria Montessori created this philosophy for the impoverished, disabled and then for the masses… not the affluent and privileged. You can DIY so many Montessori works and activities.
- Don’t force anything! A big part of living a Montessori life style is guiding your child to be curious, enjoy learning and be as independent as possible. Allow your child to explore, learn be curious and change their mind as they wish. Purchasing the next popular item and trying to convince your child to be engage with it will cost you money and them in the long wrong. Follow there lead and DIY activities after that.
My suggested reading list to get you started :
1. The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davis (The Montessori Baby if you are starting right away!)
2.The Montessori Home by Ashley Yeh
3.Montessori | a modern approach by: Paula Polk Lillard
You can borrow from your local Library for free I recommend using the Libby app for us busy parents who struggle to get to the library as often as we like… but if you’d like to purchase affiliate links below:
The Montessori Toddler
The Montessori Home
Montessori a Modern Approach
Places you can buy Montessori tools, items to DIY Montessori activities for less… My favorite shopping spots are: -Target dollar spots -Amazon -Thrift Stores -Dollar Tree -Garage sales -Upcycled items from the home or family!
In my 4 step program there is a list of over 50 activites that you can DIY or buy and make for cheap! Use the red buttn on below to view and purhase on sale through this post.
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