Montessori at Home: Functional Independence
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As I’m sure you have observed by now, independence is a big part of Montessori education. We view a child’s independence in many different ways and offer opportunities for different kinds of independence in the classroom. Functional independence is the goal of the entire first plane of development (0-6 years). Academics are a direct result of this drive for functional independence, but they are not the goal. Maria Montessori said, “The child will aim directly and energetically toward functional independence.” We see this energetic aim toward functional independence as soon as children gain the ability to walk on their own two feet. Surely, you have witnessed (or experienced!) a toddler being carried out of a public space screaming, “I want to walk!!!!” We support this effort toward functional independence in the most basic ways in the classroom. The children carry their own things inside. They hang their own jackets. They button their own clothes. We only offer assistance when they have exhausted their attempts and a friend isn’t able to step in and help. Here are some ways you can support your child’s quest for independence at home:
Your child can carry their own things. Children actually love “heavy work,” so a load that may seem unmanageable to an adult can be carried with joy by a small child.
Your child can dress and undress themselves. They can even take care of their bodies after having an accident.
Your child can put away their things
Your child can brush their own teeth
Your child can wipe up spills
Your child can participate in the care of your environment at home. They can dust, fold and wash with joy! directions as they work on dressing or putting something away. Instead of praise, say what’s
As always, use positive phrasing when encouraging independence at home. “You can put your shoes away.” “You can put your pants on all by yourself.” Sometimes, you might need to act as a coach on the sidelines, cheering them on! Offer support in the form of simple, one step true to encourage even more independence. “You worked really hard putting your shirt on this morning.”
Allowing children to be independent at home can ease so many frustrations. Often, unwanted behaviors happen when a child’s drive toward independence collides with a well-meaning adult unknowingly becoming an obstacle. Give into the “I do it!” and see where it takes you.
