Tips on Homeschooling Your Preschooler Using the Montessori Method

Once my daughter turned 3 years old I decided to start introducing preschool learning activities on a regular basis. I read up on all the different methods of homeschooling a preschooler. I read about Waldorf, Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, and a few other methods but when I read about Montessori I knew this was the approach I wanted to take with teaching my daughter.

The Montessori method believes that children learn and experience their world though their senses, by seeing, touching, hearing and smelling. Hands on activities are normal and encouraged in Montessori. This is how I knew my daughter would really benefit from this approach. If you are interested in doing Montessori activities with your child try theses activities at home.

1. Sand Letters: A great way to have your preschooler practice their letters is in sand! Get a tray from the craft store and paint the bottom a bright color. Once the paint has dried, pour enough sand to completely cover the bottom of the tray. Show your child how to trace a letter in the sand. Your preschooler is using touch, sight and sound to learn her letters and is having fun at the same time.

2. Practical Life Work: In Montessori, practical life work basically practicing life skills. Helping prepare lunch or dinner, sweeping with a child sized broom, practicing tying shoes etc. These practical life skills are very important in the toddler and preschool years and give the child confidence in accomplishing a task by themselves. My daughter loves helping prepare dinner, dust and wash the windows.

3. Sorting Activities: Provide your preschooler with baskets of different objects from nature, such as seashells, rocks, leaves, and sticks. Show your preschooler different ways to sort the objects. For example, show her how she can sort the seashells by size, shape, or color. You should keep these baskets within reach of you child so she can practicing sorting as she wishes. Again your child is using touch, sight and sound in this activity.

There are so many fun Montessori based activities to do with your preschooler. If you are interested in learning more about homeschooling your preschooler using Montessori method I highly recommend the book Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Pre-school Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock.

Be sure to research the Montessori method and other homeschooling styles will help you find the teaching and learning style that best suits your family.

Resources
Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Pre-school Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock