One of the things we love about the Montessori method is the value it places on the child's independence. During their school days they are given appropriate responsibilities and taught routines to help them maintain their environment. After watching how successful they have been there, we have started to introduce some of the same ideas at home.
A key element to helping them be successful is creating an environment that supports that. If I want them to hang up their coats and put their shoes away when they get home, I have to make our regular adult closet more appropriate for them. So, for the grand total of $10, we got a shoe rack and two hooks. Each boy has a shelf on the shoe rack where they keep two-three pairs of shoes and a pair of slippers. Each boy has a hook at their height to hang their umbrella and their coats. And then we practiced. A few times the first day, and then every day for a week. By the end of the week, we didn't find coats on the floor or shoes all over the entry way. When they walk in the house, they take their shoes off, put them on the shelves, and hang up their coats.
Having a simple routine like this is one little thing that makes my life easier. I don't have to nag, we aren't looking for shoes at the last minute, and the boys feel proud that they know how to treat their things. It's amazing that something so simple has improved life in our home so much.
Great idea Meg, thanks for sharing. I think I might have to use this one!
ReplyDeleteIt is so true, if you give them a place to put things, and some order...it totally simplifies life. This applies to husbands as well as kids. :)
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