Montessori Singapore – Montessori Approach for a Home Learning Environment

The Montessori methodology and philosophy has been associated with childhood classroom experiences and schools for over a hundred years, ever since Dr. Montessori opened her first school in Rome in 1907.  The Montessori methodology is very popular among many Montessori preschool in Singapore.

The Montessori method involves letting a child take charge and choose the direction of their own learning experienced, after being provided with a rich opportunities for exposure to many different kinds of learning activities and materials.

Montessori Methodology and Philosophy

The concept involves introducing the child to these types of materials and experiences, and demonstrating to them how the materials should be used. Then the child is allowed to explore and learn the materials and activities on their own.

Montessori Home Learning Environment – The Montessori method of learning can work in the home as well, even without the parent having access to specialized Montessori training.

Traditional measurements such as achievement tests are not focused upon, although teachers observe the child’s progress, providing additional types of materials to the child if it is thought to be helpful for further development.

The Montessori method of learning can work in the home as well, even without the parent having access to specialized Montessori training.

Since there is an emphasis on self-contained activities, these types of activities can work very well in a home learning environment. Although the average home doesn’t have the types of high quality materials and resources that a true Montessori classroom does, parents can replicate this type of experience at least to a certain extent by providing their child with an environment rich in natural materials, creative supplies, sensory objects, and opportunities to learn skills that will help make them more self-reliant.

Exploration and Free Learning

In a Montessori classroom, the teacher would prepare the classroom environment to make it an optimal environment for exploration and free learning. This same concept can be applied at home. Not only should there be stimulating materials for the child to explore, but there should also be careful attention paid to the fact that the overall home environment should be safe. There should not be a need to restrict a child from any type of activity due to safety concerns, so make sure that electrical plugs are covered, stairs are blocked for small children, and anything dangerous such as chemicals or sharp objects are removed.

The overall quality and beauty of a child’s environment is very important. Children absorb what they are surrounded with, and are attracted and interested in that which is beautiful and satisfying. When selecting toys and learning materials for a Montessori inspired learning environment, there should be an emphasis on natural materials such as wood, so that the child develops an appreciation for nature.

Toys and learning materials should be displayed on shelves, sorted into individual baskets or trays, or hung on hooks as opposed to being dumped together into one toy box. This makes the materials not only easier to interact with, but also will help the child develop a sense of logic about how they should be put away.

In order to help a child learn to care for their own needs, the environment should also be arranged with the child in mind. For example, provide easy access to places to hang clothing, use simple bed linens such as a comforter that make it easy for the child to make their own bed, and place stools or benches where necessary so that a child can take care of their own needs without asking for assistance, so that they can develop self-sufficiency.