Container Free

Not until my recent exposure to Montessori, did I realize that freedom is not only important for adults but also important for children. Freedom aids the child in developing coordination, exploration and will. Through an environment that is child friendly and allows freedom of movement, the child can feel accepted and part of his family. Not knowing this, sometimes parents or caregivers build barriers in their home in which children are allowed in certain places and not others. This is understood to be protecting the child or protecting something from being damaged or dirty. This is not fair to the child. This can cause a child feel like he is not trusted. Every room in the house should be organized so the child feels welcome.

In the kitchen, the child has a section so that he can make and store lemonade. The child can have drawers at eye level in the kitchen so that he can prepare the table for dinner. The eight month old can help prepare dinner by tearing lettuce. The two year old has chores such as watering plants and feeding animals. At bedtime, the child can sleep on a floor mattress next to his parent's bed. Have a small shelf next to the child's mattress with objects he can reach. Also a mirror so he can see himself and art on the wall above where he sleeps.

I will expand on this thought tomorrow....So many more ideas to share! My favorite of all time is teaching the child how to bake:)

Peace.
Shelina