A child’s brain reaches 85% development by the time they turn three. From birth until 3 years old is the age where children absorb information at a maximum. These are crucial years to reach a child’s full potential. Years that if taken for granted can deter a child from succeeding in life.
At what age to start Montessori at Home? Montessori education can start at birth. There is no exact age but from birth to 3 years is a big window of opportunity to teach a child.
During these times, children are naturally curious, love to explore, and discover new things. The world is new and exciting to them. Take advantage of it. Help them learn and discover the world around them. By doing this, they will also discover themselves.
Why is it Better to Start at Early Childhood?
It is important to start Montessori at home during early childhood. Early brain development is the foundation of your child’s future learning. This is the time children establish patterns and pathways of discovery that they will use throughout their life.
School officially starts at preschool age but learning starts at birth. As soon as the child is born, they are capable of learning. Even infants can start their journey to independence through perseverance and concentration.
The Montessori method, ideas, and practices can be applied to babies and children of all ages. The earlier you start, the better.
What Age is Montessori Designed For
Montessori education is designed for kids at all age levels. It is based on the individual child’s needs so age is not a major factor.
In Montessori, the child directs his path of learning within a well-prepared environment.
What we are trying to say is that Montessori education is effective for students regardless of age. We do emphasize starting early when the child’s brain is developing. This will help them become smarter, and develop good character.
Stages of Montessori Education
Age is not a major factor in Montessori education whether in a classroom or home setting. Some stages cover a certain age range but it still all boils down to each child’s skill set and progress.
The different stages of Montessori education are:
- Infant – birth to 18 months
- Toddler – 18 months to 3 years old
- Children – 3 to 6 years old
- Elementary – 6 to 12 years old
- Secondary – 12 to 15 years old
The different stages of Montessori education provide a guide to certain lessons appropriate for the age range. These are not set. The children’s needs and their capabilities are still the most important considerations for their education.
Benefits of Starting Home Montessori Early
Scientific studies have proven that learning and mental development begins at birth. As soon as the child is capable of learning, Montessori training should begin.
Montessori education will benefit your child in many ways. Among them are:
- Better academic performance, social skills, and emotional maturity
- Independence
- A deeper love for learning
- Key developmental needs are addressed (mental, psychological, social, and physical)
- Children develop curiosity, creativity, discovery, and a love for exploration
- Self-discipline
- Order and organization
What Does an Early Childhood Montessori Look Like
Early childhood Montessori may be the most important educational stage for your children. Harness their gifts and support their needs by curating a well-prepared environment conducive to learning.
If you are wondering what a Montessori home nursery looks like, here are some ideas.
Have an open floor space for play and movement. Keep everything at their level. For babies, it is floor level. Use a floor bed instead of a crib. Cribs limit a child’s space for exploration.
Have mobile gyms on the open floor. Give them a clean and safe space to lie down, roll, crawl, walk, etc.
Children’s learning areas must be organized and in order. Clutter is a no-no. Children must be given a chance to focus on one activity without distractions from other toys and noise.
Use stimulating toys and other Montessori materials. Montessori materials are designed to help children achieve optimal learning.
FAQs
Is there an exact age when children should start Montessori at home? As we mentioned above, after birth, you can start Montessori training. As a parent, you are more in touch with your child. Through observation, you will know when they are ready for Montessori. Children will give non-verbal cues to tell you they are ready. 0-3 years old should be a good starting age.
What signs to look for to know when my child is ready for Montessori? For infants, observe when babies react to certain sounds or textures. Or when they stare at a certain object. These are signs of curiosity. For toddlers, they start exploring, picking up things, and examining them. When they start babbling or talking. Sometimes when kids throw tantrums. This can be signs that they are ready for Montessori at home. Read and research for more information.
What if my child does not show interest? If your child seems uninterested or avoiding the Montessori materials and activities, find out why. When your child does not show interest in an activity, it does not mean they will not like it. Some children require more encouragement. Some activities can intimidate a child. Guide them and boost their confidence. They may not be ready for the activity. If so, downgrade to another activity that will suit their capabilities.
Is Montessori at home okay for my gifted child? Yes. A Montessori home setting will help your children hone their gifts. A child-centered approach will support the needs of a gifted child. This will allow them to flourish and achieve their maximum potential.
Summary
Going back, Montessori education can start at birth. There is no exact age but from birth to 3 years is a big window of opportunity to teach a child.
The age from 0 to three is a golden opportunity for children to learn and address their developmental needs. This window of opportunity if missed cannot be recaptured. How well your child will do in later life may well be dependent on what you do to help their development in early childhood.