Montessori has a favorite phrase that comes from children themselves: “Help me do it myself.” A young child wants to get dressed, pour their own water and tidy up their toys. Sometimes it is slow and messy, but that is exactly how they learn.
1. Make your home reachable
A low hook for the coat, a step stool by the sink, toys on a shelf the child can reach. When things are at their height, they don't have to wait for an adult.
2. Give them real tasks
Putting napkins on the table, watering a plant, stirring the salad. Small jobs at home make a child feel useful.
3. Show slowly, then step back
Show once, slowly and with few words, how to do up a button or pour water. Then let your child try, even if it doesn't work the first time.
4. Offer a choice of two
“The blue or the green top?” is easier than “What will you wear?”. A choice of two gives a child control without overwhelming them.
5. Allow time
When we are in a hurry, we do everything for the child. Add ten minutes to the morning routine so they have time to dress and put on their shoes themselves.
We do the same at the center: the room is arranged so that children can take the materials themselves, work with them and put them back in their place.