Montessori at Home -- How to Start

When I first started to learn about Montessori, I was completely overwhelmed. I wasn't sure where to start or how I could incorporate Montessori ideas into my home. For a time, I stalked blogs without making changes just because I really had no idea where to start. 

Then, one day I bit the bullet with a shelf in our sunroom. It had been filled with bins of toys. I cleared away the bins, picked a few toys and placed them on the self. We've never looked back. 

This isn't necessarily how I would set up a shelf today, but it was a very important first step. Seeing it in action gave me the motivation and the courage to spread Montessori ideas throughout our house. 

I know there are those of you who would love to incorporate Montessori  ideas into your home. But, I also know how absolutely overwhelming it can be. Baskets, shelves, wood, glass, toys?!? There are so many questions about what is necessary and what is not. So, where can you start? 

Here are my suggestions: 

1. Start Small! Just like I did, start with one area of your house. For me, a play shelf or room is a great place. Clear the space of clutter, keep out a few things and put them into a designated space. Don't feel pressured to change every room in your house at once or even an entire room at once. Any change is a great first step.

2. Use what you have! I know some Montessori purists would disagree with me, but I don't think you need to go out and buy a bunch of traditional Montessori work, or special shelves, or trays. If you have baskets/trays/work -- great, use them! 

If not, keep your eyes open. Thrift stores, craft stores, Craigslist and other places have affordable options. Baskets/trays are great for separating activities. Glass dishes are perfect for practical life activities or for daily use. But, it doesn't all have to happen at once. 

3. Get on your child's level! When you've started changing your space, make sure it works for a child. Is something too heavy? Too high? Too scattered? 

Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and check out the changes from your child's perspective. You may notice that things need to be adjusted. I find this  is especially true when planning where to hang decorations, and choosing the type of tray for a particular work.

4. Make it practical. Need some inspiration? Practical life activities such as pouring, scooping, transferring, lacing, cleaning, or getting dressed are great places to start. Young children are naturally drawn to these types of activities. Plus, they are easy to pull together with common household items. Two small bowls, a spoon, and a handful of rice can be awesome place to start, without much cost or effort.

And some helpful things to remember: 

Natural materials are preferred. If you have the choice between a natural material {wood, fabric, glass, metal} choose that over plastic. 

A tray or basket can help focus a young child. Ditch the bins with masses of toys, shoot for one basket/bin/tray per toy/activity/work. 

Less is more. You don't need 500 toy options out at once. I promise. Instead, pick a few and rotate, rotate, rotate. {But I fully admit that I still struggle with this one}

I hope this helps you take the plunge into incorporating Montessori principals into your home. Anyone recently made a change or thinking about it?! Any questions for me?