Help Me Do It Myself

Applying Montessori in Your Home

If you leave a small pitcher of juice in the fridge (or a full flip-n-sip for younger ones), I can pour myself drinks.

If you put low hooks on the wall and create a place for my boots, I can get ready for going outside.

If you take away all of my toys but my favorite few, I can look after them and keep them neat (and then swap other ones in from time to time to keep it interesting).

If you put a stool in the bathroom, I can get on and off the toilet and brush my teeth and hair in the minor.

If you give me chores to do, such as setting the table or filling and starting the dishwasher or folding clothes, I can help with housekeeping.

If you give me shoes, shirts, pants, and jackets that fasten easily, I can dress myself.

If you give me a dustpan, brush, and sponge, I can clean up my messes and other people's too.

If you give me simple math problems while cooking, shopping, traveling, and any other time, 1 can practice my adding and subtracting.

If you sound out words and writing with me, I can practice my own reading and speaking.

If you use grown-up words for objects (such as bathroom instead potty or appaloosa instead horsie), I can learn them just as easily as the baby ones.

Help me do it myself, and I will be a happier, more competent, and more dignified young person. (And it will make your job easier too!)

Julie Webster is the Co-Director of the Misty Mountain Montessori School in Mount Airy, MD.