TIPS TO GET STARTED IN THE MONTESSORI METHOD

Herve Herrmann is the mother of two girls, writer and reference expert in Montessori pedagogy. Apart from her personal blog, where she narrates the day-to-day life of her daughters educated at home, Ève is the author of several books that bring this philosophy of life and learning to the general public in a simple way.

And is that more and more parents are deciding to educate their children following the Montessori philosophy. Therefore, we wanted to talk with Ève about the main obstacles that these families face and what needs to be taken into account before starting this method.

Montessori education as an alternative option

When parents we begin to think about the education of our children A fan full of possibilities opens before us. From home education or homeschooling, to traditional education, or education in alternative schools, among which Montessori schools would be found.

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However, as tempting as it may be for many families to educate their children in an alternative school, economically it is not always possible. This causes many doubts to parents, who wonder if Teaching in the traditional school is compatible with a home education based on the Montessori philosophy, where positive stimulation, recognition of individuality and respect for the rhythms of the child prevail.

I moved this question, and I ask him how we can proceed in these cases: are both scenarios compatible? How to educate our children under the Montessori philosophy if we have chosen to take them to a traditional school?

"A child can understand that at school the rules are not the same as at home. However, if the child is already able to do different things for himself I might feel a little disappointed not being able to do what he wants in school, where he is asked to obey rules and attend to the teacher. "

"In this case, if you feel frustrated we have to talk to him and explain why in school some things are not possible, due for example to the large number of children there are, the school safety regulations or the limits set by the teacher. "

"Even if they are young children, they will most likely understand these explanations, but most important of all, they will feel understood by their parents. They will know that we know that it may be difficult for them to have to obey orders or carry out the activities imposed on them, instead of being able to choose them for themselves ".

"On the contrary, Montessori pedagogy offers the child the opportunity to build himself and work for himself with respect towards his person. You are not asked to follow the plan prepared by others but the child has the freedom to follow his own inner plan ".

"The child educated under Montessori pedagogy should not fit a mold. He can grow as he is and become whatever he wants without having to fight or overcome obstacles."

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Tips to follow before starting to educate under the Montessori philosophy

We have chosen one school or another, what is evident is that more and more parents are interested in the Montessori philosophy and try to apply it in the daily upbringing of their children, through a series of keys that naturally accompany and encourage the development of the child.

We wanted to know what advice ofreceve offered to parents who are entering for the first time in this parenting philosophy: What should we consider before starting to live and raise following the Montessori method?

1) Read the works of María Montessori

"The first thing that families who want to raise their children under Montessori philosophy must do is read the books of María Montessori," The child in family "or" The absorbing mind of the child ", among others. These readings they will help us break many of the prejudices related to childhood that they transmit to us the society and education that we have received as children. "

"The Montessori philosophy is a way to see the child, to live with him and to accept him as a capable and autonomous person"

2) Do not rush to buy Montessori materials

There is one on the market wide selection of materials made of wood and specific for teaching through the Montessori method. This type of materials, which we can acquire the parents to work at home with our children, are designed to respond to the different interests of the child according to their evolutionary stage.

However, he advises us not to rush to buy it and rethink well about what our son really needs:

"I advise parents not to rush to buy material. It is beautiful and tempting but we run the risk of losing the essence of this beautiful pedagogy. That is why, before offering a material to the child, we must take time to observe him, identify what they are your needs and how we can answer them. Will this material help you? If so, in what way? "

In any case, we can always manufacture our own materials ourselves and do educational activities with our children in a simple way and with everyday objects.

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3) Adapt the house to the child

And finally we must not forget that before launching us to raise and educate following the Montessori philosophy is fundamental prepare our house for it. We have to look for a favorable environment for the development of the child, that adapts to his needs and favors his learning.

"We have to redecorate our house so that it is more accessible to the child, but as I said before, we will not need to buy a thousand things. Just look at how our child develops in the environment and the kind of help he may need."

"Let's think, What corner do we need to adapt to allow its autonomy?. Maybe our child just needs a certain material that is appropriate to its size and easily manipulated, or perhaps it is simply necessary to hang the hangers at their height or lower a certain shelf. Surely there are a lot of little things we can do for them to facilitate their autonomy and respect their needs" - He advises us.

In addition, we must not forget that the decoration of our house must be based on the simplicity, beauty and order. With bright and warm spaces that include plants, art, music and books. And it is not just about creating a physical environment, but about fostering a family environment that allows them to grow with joy and freedom.

About Herve Herrmann

Herve Herrmann is French, mother of two girls and a reference in Montessori pedagogy. In Angers (France), Ève has created a space for parents to discover and learn about this methodology that also diffuses through their works.

Books like "Nature: The first stories inspired by Montessori pedagogy", "At home: The first stories inspired by Montessori pedagogy" or "100 Montessori activities", are some of the works written by this author that approach in a simple way and practice the Montessori method to families that start to get started on it.

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Acknowledgments Ève Herrmann
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