What is the Montessori method, exactly?
Developed in the early 1900s by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method is a child-centered approach to education.
Its focus on children’s self-discovery and independence has made it a popular choice for modern educators and parents.
It is based upon a belief in the child’s natural development instead of giving life-skills lessons or moving towards some set target. It is a method of learning that has been used for many years.
The Montessori method is essentially an educational method that utilizes tools and activities that aid children in developing their understanding and skills, not just following the teacher’s instructions.
It also concentrates on each child’s unique needs instead of a group that includes children.
The Montessori Method stresses a collection of principles and teaching methods that emphasize independence, freedom from the rules for children (within limits) as well as respect for the development of children.
The Drawbacks of the Montessori Method
Montessori has a few drawbacks, like any other educational method, one being that it is not as hands-on as other education methods.
Another disadvantage is that the Montessori method does not teach children about social aspects, such as being able to work very well with others in a classroom setting.
Of course, it is not the case for the stool, as it has all the sides open, which is a significant risk to our little ones.
In that case, the most significant benefit of the learning tower over a regular stool is the safety the former brings to the table.
The Learning Tower is simply the safer option for the younger kids when it comes down to it.
What is a Montessori Wardrobe?
Montessori wardrobes are toddler-sized wardrobes that are easy to access for young children.
It contributes to a child’s sense of independence and self-expression by providing him with a sense of self-expression.
Putting together a Montessori wardrobe can be as simple as using baskets containing clothes or as complex as using an entirely constructed wardrobe.
Simply put, at its most basic definition, a Montessori wardrobe is a place where toddlers and young children can easily access and choose the clothing they want to wear daily.
A child’s ability to choose an outfit for the day greatly benefits their education and development as they grow up.
Although it might seem like fun to do with your child every morning, all parents should consider the benefits of incorporating this practice into their lives. will appreciate and remember most.
What are the benefits of using a Montessori wardrobe?
Having your child pick out their clothes at the beginning of each day has so many benefits for them.
Here are just some of the benefits that can be gained by a child through using a Montessori wardrobe:
Respects the child
Among the fundamental principles of Montessori education is the principle of respecting the child.
Undoubtedly, allowing the child to make their own choices without interference from a parent or other adult is one of the critically important parts of fulfilling this principle.
Respect and trust can be built through the Montessori wardrobe idea. A child is trusted with the responsibility of choosing their own clothes each day, so mutual respect and trust are established between the child and their parents as a result of this decision.
Provides responsibility and independence
Another important Montessori principle is fostering the child’s independence and responsibility.
Many aspects of a child’s Montessori education are based on this principle, including a Montessori wardrobe as part of that education.
As a child learns to make decisions on their own, choosing their own clothes each day builds their independence as they learn to make decisions for themselves each day.
Their understanding of responsibility is also enhanced as they learn to organize their own clothing.
Enhances self-confidence and self-expression
Confident children have a greater sense of self than children who are not.
Montessori wardrobes give the child a sense of pride in what they own so that they will continue to be able to make independent choices in the future.
Additionally, using a Montessori wardrobe allows the child to express himself or herself to a greater degree. The opportunity to choose what a child wears will enable them to express themselves, giving them a sense of self-confidence that they can transfer to other activities in the future.
Develops life skills
The ability to take care of oneself is an important life skill that every individual should have and one that most people do.
Dressing oneself makes self-care exciting for children and encourages them to enjoy other aspects such as brushing their teeth, bathing, and brushing their hair.
As soon as they become used to dress how they want every day, they will develop a habit of dressing how they want every time.
What should you take into consideration when choosing a Montessori toddler’s wardrobe:
- The hangers should be child-sized – from the age of three, children can begin to learn how to hang up their own clothes, especially those with stretchy fabrics and wider necks.
- Provide a low chair for your child to sit on – it may be that some children find it easier to clothe themselves from a seated position, particularly when it comes to pulling on pants or putting on shoes.
- Put down a soft rug or lambswool – instead of the low chair, some children prefer to sit on the floor while dressing, so provide them with a lambswool or any kind of soft rug, should they desire it.
- Hamper basket – this is for dirty washing, and it should be small enough that young children can carry it to the laundry when it’s laundry day.
- Mirror – Acrylic mirrors are an intelligent choice to ensure a child’s self-dressing is done correctly. They are lightweight and child-safe and easy to attach to the side of a child’s wardrobe.
- Low hooks: make sure to have low hooks installed in your child’s room so that he or she may hang coats, backpacks, hats, and scarves.
- Small baskets – handy for storing loose items such as underwear, hats and socks
- Pictorial labels – to help toddlers understand where things go. It is also helpful if there are many drawers or baskets that the child can’t easily see into, for example, if you use a lot of drawers or baskets
What if your child is dumping clothing?
Starting with three to four clothing options is an excellent place to start.
Afterward, we will be able to follow the child’s progress. It may be possible to remove one or two options if the child has difficulty choosing between them.
In contrast, if the child is able to make a choice happily and efficiently, we can gradually add more choices over time. For some of you, the biggest problem would be that your little one is throwing his/her clothes on the ground when he/she is in a hurry.
If this is the case, I suggest you limit the clothing options to only a couple of options until this behavior eventually stops. If you’re reducing the number of clothes in the wardrobe, then it:
- has fewer options to choose from, and he can find the clothes he wants more easily.
- is less attractive to kids for dumping or transporting, so they can look elsewhere if they wish to toss things.
- takes up less space while it makes it easier to put away clothes.
What are the best ways to organize a child’s wardrobe to encourage independent dressing?
- You should limit the number of clothes you give your children. They do not need too many options.
- Ensure that all the clothing a child may need is within easy reach of the child at all times.
- You should only make available clothing that is appropriate for the season.
- Make sure that the child only has access to clothing that he or she is allowed to wear. Until the child is old enough, keep the special clothes out of reach or in a separate basket until he or she can understand the concept of “special”.
- There should only be clothes available that fit correctly. The “too small” and “too big” baskets should be readily available to the adults. This way, it will be easier for them to remove clothing that no longer fits and have a place to store clothes given or purchased that is too big. This will prevent clothing from being forgotten about.
- You can put folded clothes in baskets as long as they remain in the basket. It doesn’t matter whether the clothes stay folded as long as they remain in the basket.
- Label the baskets with pictures (for ore-readers) and words.
- It will be easier for the child if you put the shoes in a basket and peg them together so they can find the right shoe for their feet effortlessly.
- There should be a low stool nearby the wardrobe that can be used to sit on while dressing.
- In the beginning, ask the child if he or she would like to put away his or her own clean laundry. At first, this will help them to know where each item goes. Still, in the long run, it will enable them to participate in daily tasks and family activities.
- Wearing and putting on clothes should be made as simple as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a montessori toddler wardrobe is a great way to give your child the respect and independence they need while enhancing their self-confidence and self-expression. It also helps them develop life skills that will carry over into their future. If you are looking for a way to provide your child with a unique learning experience, then a montessori toddler wardrobe is the perfect option!
