Five Great Ways to Create a Learning Environment at Home

School is back in session, however, sending your children to even the very best of schools doesn’t let us parents off the educational hook. It is important to continue to foster your child’s educational experience at home and to provide a rich learning environment.

To do this, take a few tips from Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori education. Montessori’s educational method is based on an in-depth understanding of the child’s stages of development.

1. Keep on Reading

Studies have consistently shown that children that grow up in “reading families” are more academically successful. Establish read-aloud routines at home. Make it part of your daily activities to enjoy reading aloud to your children, even if it’s only for 5-10 minutes at a time. Reverse the role with older children and let them read aloud to you.

2. Minimize the Clutter

Trying to put too many toys or books out at once can create a feeling of chaos. Children learn best in environments that feel uncluttered and organized. An orderly environment is less distracting, enabling young minds to focus on one task at a time.

3. Clean Up

Have a child-friendly area in as many rooms of your home as possible. Provide low shelves and coat/towel hooks within reach. Have child-size tables and chairs in the kitchen and stools to reach sinks, etc.

4. Keep it Within Reach

Have a child-friendly area in as many rooms of your home as possible. The more children can do for themselves the more you are fostering their independence.

5. Can I try?

Don’t underestimate how much children are capable of, even from a very young age. Resist the temptation to do too much for them, and instead, do more with them. Children learn confidence and self-reliance through participating in everyday activities at home. Knowing that they contribute and are productive members of the family, gives children an important sense of self-worth and belonging. Children build stronger self-esteem through mastering new skills, which in turn leads to a more capable young person.

If you would like to give Montessori learning a try, and/or if you have any questions or concerns regarding iKids Academy or our Montessori classrooms, please feel free to contact us, we would love to chat more with you about our curriculums and different programs we offer.