Jan
26
Posted by Raven.
Montessori-style Homeschooling with a Toddler in Tow
Okay. I need your help.
I have this dream, see? A nice long low bookshelf with neatly arranged trays of carefully placed Montessori work. In this dream, Pearl would see the inviting display, walk over to the shelf, choose her activity, and carry it to her table to work with it. Like this:
No bookshelf, but you get the idea.
When she was done, she would take the tray back to the shelf and decide which work she’d like to do next. A vision of order, peace, and satisfying work.
Here’s my problem:
Monkey, a.k.a. The Problem.
I know, what a cute problem to have.
And I adore this little man. But how do I give Pearl the space and time she needs to work with this little guy running all over the place? Here are the specifics:
- How do I store her work? I’ve thought of a bookshelf with a sliding door that can lock. But this adds an element of complication to her activities. How is she supposed to open/close the sliding door with a tray in her hands? I guess I could open and close it for her, but that removes some of the independence of the work and means that I have to be constantly monitoring her. I can’t just have her work out on open shelves. That would mean Monkey would constantly be hearing “No,” and “Don’t touch that, please.” That’s no kind of life for a monkey.
- When does she do her work? I would say that the perfect time to do her work would be when Monkey naps. However, Pearl hasn’t given up her afternoon naps yet and I certainly don’t want to force her out of the habit. Some days she naps, some days she doesn’t. It’s not a consistent thing. Usually, her working time will coincide with his awake time. Which means Monkey will want to get his hands on Pearl’s work. So, do I take him into another room to play with him and just leave Pearl alone to work? I’d rather be present somewhere in the room in case Pearl has a question or wants me to check her work.
What would you do? I don’t want to fill Monkeys days with “No” and “Don’t touch that, please,” but I also want Pearl to be able to do some independent Montessori-style work. I guess this hints at a bigger issue: How do you homeschool with babies who need your attention? I know it’s doable–this is not a new homeschooling issue. But it is a new one to me. Do I give him his own work? Do I expect him to play independently? How do the Montessori peaceful-learning atmosphere and the I-am-a-toddler-and-I-want-to-yell-and-run-and-get-into-everything atmosphere coexist?
Advice?
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There are 4 comments to this post.
Raven had this to say,
Jan 28, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
Thanks so much! Those are all great ideas. I’m trying to get into the habit of presenting alternatives to the children instead of trapping them with the yes/no paradox. I’ll add that book to my list of to-reads!
Stacy had this to say,
Jan 28, 2010 @ 10:32 pm
We’re at the same point right now in our house! I came to the realization this week that I need to include my 21 month old daughter, by incorporating tasks for her. I’m going to start doing ‘tot school’ so that I have more planning and focus going into her activities also. One of her favorite ‘jobs’ this week was putting popsicle sticks in and out of a baby wipes container.
Raven had this to say,
Jan 29, 2010 @ 7:32 am
Hi, Stacy! Thanks for dropping by. Yes, I think I’m going to start giving Monkey his own work. That would be way more fun and satisfying for him and it would be a great learning tool. We’ll have to let each other know how it goes 
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I’d start by giving him his own work. Then, you have something you can redirect him to, while emphasizing the message of respecting her work. “Monkey, that’s Pearl’s work. Do you want to (this) or (that).” If you need ideas of work appropriate for a 1-yo, try “Montessori from the Start”, by P. Lillard. It’s designed for the home environment, which is very helpful! He’ll want to do whatever she’s doing (this is how toddler’s learn what to do in an environment), so if you have a set of something similar, but geared toward his level, this will help. Set limits clearly, but firmly, and offer a choice between two acceptable options, rather than “yes or no” questions as often as possible. This will help prevent these issues from eventually becoming a power struggle. Hope this helps!