Your child’s formative years are extremely crucial for their development and future. Research shows children’s brains are extremely malleable from birth until six years old and are influenced by their surroundings. Children absorb information from the world around them.
Parents naturally want the best for their children. They want to equip them with the necessary tools to help prepare them for future success. As a result, they often search for the best educational philosophies and the best schools in their district for children. Unfortunately, selecting a preschool for your child isn’t an easy endeavor. Numerous schools exist in every district, but finding the ideal one to cater to your child’s specific developmental needs can be difficult.
Sometimes, parents aren’t satisfied with the schooling options available for various reasons. As a result, they may decide to homeschool their children. Homeschooling has always been an option many parents have undertaken in the past. However, it has become more popular than ever since the pandemic began. According to the United States Census Bureau, homeschooling grew by over five percent during the 2020-2021 school year, an unprecedented rise compared to previous years. Homeschooling exploded in popularity between 1999 and 2012. However, it stagnated after.
Research shows approximately 3.7 million homeschool students exist in the United States, accounting for roughly six to seven percent of school-age children.
Therefore, you’re not alone if you’re thinking of homeschooling your child. However, many parents often want to follow the Montessori education philosophy for their children, and they believe they can’t provide a Montessori education at home. That’s not true.
Homeschooling in Montessori Education for Preschool Children
Parents must understand the tenets of Montessori education to homeschool their children successfully. Montessori education for early childhood revolves around four aspects. These include practical life, sensorial, language, and mathematical development. You can purchase or download learning materials to help your child develop their language and mathematical skills. Mathematical skills in Montessori education center around learning to count to ten. It also includes teaching your child the decimal system, operation functions, and math facts. The best method for developing your child’s language skills is by providing them with interactive materials and books. Sensorial development ties closely with practical life. Children need to become acquainted with their surroundings. You have to create an environment where children can physically and mentally express themselves. It’s also crucial to let your child interact with the great outdoors so they can learn from nature.
However, things get tricky when it comes to practical life skills and development. Most parents struggle with it. Here’s everything you need to know about practical life development for homeschooled children:
Practical Life
The purpose of practical life development can be broken down into four categories:
Order
Instilling order in your child’s life is crucial for their success. Most Montessori schools will instill order by having daily routines for children to follow. Parents must ensure they establish similar schedules at home for their children. Order is crucial for children because it gives them comfort and familiarity.
Fine-Motor Skills Development
Children need to develop their fine-motor skills and coordination. Hence, many Montessori activities help children develop these skills, like building towers or sewing buttons. The coordination acquired from these activities also transfers to other activities like writing, painting, etc.
Concentration
Concentration leads to normalization. However, many parents often struggle to get their children to concentrate on their activities or tasks. The Montessori Method identifies the secret ingredient to helping children develop concentration—letting them choose and focus on their preferred activities. Children are unique and have specific interests. It’s crucial to let children discover their interests and passions and let them engage in these activities. Parents must refrain from interrupting or interfering when a child is focused on their preferred task.
Independence
Instilling independence and autonomy in children is a hallmark of Montessori education. Montessori education emphasizes these traits because it helps make children more confident and less anxious. As a result, consider using self-correcting materials to help your child become more confident that they can perform tasks themselves without your assistance.
Ithaca Montessori: A Leading Montessori Preschool in Nashville, TN
Are you looking to enroll your child in a preschool in Nashville, TN? Ithaca Montessori is a Montessori school that focuses on early childhood development. Our Kids Education Program in Nashville can prepare your child for success later in life. Our Montessori is perfect for 2.5-5-year-olds. Visit our website for more information. Alternatively, contact us today to learn more.