Montessori Routines
The following are sets of Montessori Routines that will affect the mind of children and bring the best out of them. These routines can be applied at any time during the school period. The main idea is to apply them earlier in the morning and conclude them in the evening.
1. Talking with kids
The Montessori philosophy helps kids to show and polish their talents as early in their development as possible, while also being centered on the idea of the child’s independence. Making it a habit to talk to your child can help you connect with them properly. Talk to your child so that you can understand what they’re thinking and feeling. A simple talk can help your child through thick and thin and you can have a great time getting to know the everyday occurrences in their lives. You must keep a casual and relaxed tone with your child so they can feel safe to express their feelings.
2. Making a picture chart
A picture chart helps children to learn about their routines and can garner their interest in an effective manner. It is also a creative process for the child to learn things in a pictorial manner, which also makes it easier for them to memorize. The process is simple. Have your child wake up at an established time and show them what they will be doing for the rest of the day. You can make the chart as colorful as you want, and even add cartoons or other drawings. This can give your child a boost of motivation in the morning motivation and will have them looking forward to all the fun activities you describe.
3. Have your kid pack their lunch
If you’re going for the full Montessori style of routine, then having let them pack their lunch is a phenomenal idea. Your child can learn the art of individualism, self-dependency, and self-care through this activity.
4. Offer limited clothing choices
If your child has too many items of clothing to choose from, they will very likely get confused and distracted by them. It also creates a consumerist mentality if you’re constantly buying more and more clothes for them, which undermines the Montessori philosophy of being concise and controlled.
5. Built-in time for togetherness
The idea behind the Montessori principle is that you have to spend time with your child. Built-in time means that you have to carefully examine the quality, not just the quantity of your time with them, as well as their personality and interests. Give them time to respond to your stimuli and try to see what interests your child the most. This will drastically increase your child’s enjoyment of your time together—and therefore, yours!
6. Make it a funny routine
If you can make your child smile, you’ve got half the battle won. Be as silly as you can with them! Making your home a haven of smiles and laughter is the healthiest thing you can do for your children.
Additionally, if your child is having fun while learning or performing school activities, it is guaranteed that they will learn the lesson that much faster and in a way that will stick with them forever.
7. Bedtime routine
Bedtime routines are crucial for children—and even for adults! Try to establish a healthy set of activities that will get your child into the right mindset for bed. Changing into their pj’s, brushing their teeth, tucking them in—all of this should let your child know that the day is over and it’s time to rest.
8. Get up before your kids
While the Montessori principle hinges on independence and freedom for the child, you should still be around to make sure everything is going smoothly. Wake up before your child does and make all the necessary preparations for early-morning activities.
This also means, of course, taking care of yourself. Have a good breakfast to make sure that your mind and body are fully energized to take care of your child.
- See your child off
Just as with the bedtime routine, make a set of activities for the morning. If your child has to leave for school, run through the list of things they need before you leave the house. Wish them a good day and kiss or hug them goodbye.
10. Working with an open and close basket
The idea is very simple—just place an object inside a basket and have your child open it as many times as they want to see if the object is still in there open. You can also play a memory game where your child places several items in the basket and then has to remember what they are.
11. Using an eggbeater to make soap suds
An eggbeater can be a splendid tool that can boost your child’s creativity. The activity is also very easy to conduct. Give your child an eggbeater and a bowl of soapy water and tell your child to mix them. Then have your child blow some bubbles or run around your backyard with the eggbeater to make large bubbles. Notice how a simple tool like an egg beater can be used for a clever activity and as part of a routine to develop healthy creativity in your child.
12. Pom-Pom task tray
The pom-pom task tray is a pre-writing activity that also boosts your child’s creativity. The task tray comes with alphanumerical markers and is used to teach cognitive sets to the children. It involves a sequence of a drawing a vertical line, a horizontal line, circle, cross shape, diagonal line, and a square.
Items needed for a pom-pom task tray are different colored pom-poms, a task tray, a medium-size bowl, two jars, a small tablespoon, and a small mixing spoon. Place the two jars in front of the child and instruct them to put the pom-poms in one jar. All the child has to do after that is transfer the pom-poms from one jar to the other.
13. Cranberries and Maple Granola recipe
Maple granola and cranberries are healthy snacks that boost brain performance.
The ingredients required for maple granola are:
- One large box of quick oats
- Two cup wheat germ
- One cup whole wheat flour
- One tablespoon of salt
- One cup of sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees
- Mix all the ingredients
- Spread the mix on a cookie sheet and bake for two hours
These steps are very easy to follow and the child can easily learn a lot while making it. The mixing requires constant stirring, which is great to develop strength, dexterity, and concentration.