Monday, March 16, 2020

Setting a Schedule for Montessori Learning at Home

Guidelines for Montessori learning at home
Our goal during this time of learning at home is to collaborate with families to keep the Montessori culture of learning alive and support the developmental needs of each child.
Setting a schedule for the day:
Routines are helpful for young children - the predictability of knowing what to expect helps them feel secure and become more independent. As much as you are able, try to keep a familiar rhythm to your days - not a rigid, to the minute schedule, but a predictable flow. (see article by Jana Morgan Herman on Consistency & Routines for more info)

Here is a sample day that would feel familiar to their school days (adapt to fit your family needs):
7-8: Wake up, get dressed, breakfast, brush teeth
8-8:30: Focused time with adult - story, poem, language game, math activity
8:30-10:30: Independent choice & practice time (including snack), clean up for last 10 min.
10:30-11:30: Outside exploration/play
11:30-12: Help prepare lunch
12-12:30: Lunch and clean up
12:30-1:30: Rest time/ quiet activity time (longer if needed for napping child)
1:30-2: Instruction time with adult (or continue independent work if focused)
2-4: Independent choice & skills practice time
4-5: Outside
Your home and surroundings are your child’s learning environment. We will help you find ways to support independence, engage in meaningful tasks and supplement learning through various activities suggested by teachers.

Here are the most important things to do each day (that are proven to have the most impact on your child’s success):
  1. Spend time outside
    (avoid crowded areas/times)
  2. Read together
    (we will include links to books online, which can be substituted for another book of interest to your child)
  3. Limit screen time! Encourage free play
    (1 hour a day or less is recommended for children under 6)
  4. Involve children in planning, preparing and cleaning up meals & snacks Try to eat at least one meal as a family each day, practicing conversation & manners

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