Maria Montessori identified the period from birth to age six as "The Absorbent Mind." Initially, the child forms attachments and bonds with caregivers, progressing to imitating their actions. Around age three, the child becomes less reliant on maternal care and starts emulating older children within their family, tribe, or Montessori classroom. Interestingly, the child often prefers the company of older children over adults. By the age of six, the child has assimilated into the culture and acquired the ability to perform simpler life tasks.
Given this, seize the opportunity while your child is young! Teaching these tasks becomes challenging once the Absorbent Mind phase has passed. Observe and align with your child's interests, letting their development guide you.
The following tasks are imparted through example and grace rather than correction and scolding:
Grace and Courtesy:
Please and Thank You
Excuse me
Waiting patiently
Greeting and saying goodbye
Interrupting appropriately and not interrupting
"You may use this when I'm done" and "May I..."
Heartfelt apology: "Do you feel sorry? You could tell them."
Offering to help
Letting someone go first
Permission to hug or touch someone
Care of Self and Environment:
Sitting and pulling in your chair
Pushing in your chair
Carrying various items
Gathering and setting up your work
Putting away work when finished
Washing hands thoroughly, drying hands
Using the toilet
Dressing and undressing, including jacket flip, button, zip, Velcro, tie, buckle…
Hand washing laundry
Hanging laundry to dry
Folding laundry and putting it away
Using a hanger
Matching socks
Washing a table or countertop
Wiping up spills
Sweeping with child-sized broom, brush, and dustpan
Mopping (some mops can have handle segments removed to adjust size)
Washing windows, mirrors
Arranging flowers
Food:
Planting seeds, tending a garden
Harvesting and cleaning produce
Meal planning and shopping for healthy food
Food prep: pouring, scooping, spreading, slicing, stirring, grating, peeling, mashing…you get the idea!
Using the stove and oven as you observe the child is careful and obedient
Setting the table
How to use dishes and utensils
Scraping and rinsing plates, washing dishes, loading and unloading the dishwasher
Collecting compost and recycling
Try some of these activities at home with your family! Which activities did your children enjoy most? Feel free to share your comments below.
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