Montessori at Home
Toddlers
Children at this age thrive on consistency. Establish a consistent routine for mealtimes, bedtimes and bath time. Knowing what to expect builds their sense of security. Have your child eat at a table instead of walking around with food or drink; the children must sit down at a table while eating and drinking at school. Encourage them to participate in home activities and chores. Let them help fix dinner, set the table, carry or fold laundry and feed a pet. Let them choose between two outfits that they can put on and take off themselves.
Primary
If you are interested in implementing some Practical Life (truly the most important area of the Montessori Primary classroom) into your home, these two websites have beautiful materials and ideas: montessoriservices.com and forsmallhands.com (this site also offers books for sale). Another useful site: ourmontessorihome.com/philosophy/starting-montessori-at-home/
Elementary I
Traditional homework is not given at this level. We encourage children to participate in practical life activities in the home such as helping in the yard, making their lunch and any activity where they are completing age-appropriate chores.
Reading: Encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes per day. We also urge you to continue reading aloud to them.
Research: We encourage children to continue learning outside of school, too. Offer a study area at home where they can to continue researching topics of interest. Take trips to the library together to search for and check out books.
Math facts: There are many free websites where you can print out math fact sheets for your child to practice. Keep in mind they should be practicing addition and subtraction together, multiplication and division together or mixed problems, depending on their level of mastery. For every kind of math video and online help for all ages, visit mathispower4u.com/
This site has many activities that mimic the manipulatives we use in the classroom: nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
Elementary II
Math: Villa uses Saxon Math for homework. This is strictly for review. Teachers present new concepts in the classroom using the wonderful Montessori math curriculum and materials. Saxon Math homework begins in September. Students are expected to do one lesson each school night. Parents will be given homework-checking books to sign once work is completed each night.
Reading: Students are expected to read at least 20 minutes at home each night. Once students finish their book, they are encouraged to take an accelerated reading test.
Long-term projects: The Science Fair each May is the culmination of each student’s end-of-the-year project. Sixth-graders complete a special "senior" project, meeting milestones along the way.
Middle School
Middle school students have nightly homework in multiple subject areas. All homework is aligned with the in-class curriculum. A quiet study area and a set routine can really encourage your child's success.
Montessori books for parents:
- How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way, by Tim Seldin
- Understanding the Human Being: The Importance of the First Three Years of Life, by Silvana Q. Montanaro
- A Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom, by Aline Wolf
- The Science Behind the Genius, by Angeline Stoll Lillard
- Understanding Montessori, by Maren Schmidt
Other useful links:
What Makes an Activity Montessori:
racheous.com/montessori-home/what-makes-activity-montessori/
Janet Lansbury Parenting Blog: janetlansbury.com/
How to Identify a Great Montessori School:
Other useful Links:
What Makes an Activity Montessori --
http://www.racheous.com/montessori-home/what-makes-activity-montessori/
Janet Lansbury Parenting Blog --
Montessori at Home -
http://www.ourmontessorihome.com/philosophy/starting-montessori-at-home/
How to Identify a Great Montessori School--
