Ideal Montessori provides everything on the child’s level, but we work with what we have. Today, washing dishes all by himself. I showed him the steps two times before letting him start: put soap on the scrub brush, turn on water, wet the dish, scrub the dish, rinse the dish, place on towel to dry. He did fantastic and went back many times to redo the dishes he had already washed. He was, as expected, quite happy to help.
Ok, ok. I’m starting to get on board with this now. It’s all about getting babies to do housework in the name of education…brilliant!
Really though, best of luck getting into that school. I know you’ve got your fingers crossed. I mean, imagine all the extra trapeze time once the boys are doing the laundry!
Ha, love Annie’s comment! Emil is cleaning like a champ 🙂 Wyatt helps with a lot, but we haven’t yet reached the point where it makes my life easier. We’re still at the ‘makes everything take twice as long’ stage!
We have this contraption called a ‘learning tower’ that is basically a safer version of a chair for the counter, and it’s wonderful, especially for kids even younger than Emil. W was able to get up to counter height independently before he was even walking confidently and still climbs up for nearly every meal prep. There’s even room for two kids so we’ve had friends help with baking projects. They’re really expensive, but we scored our’s at a yard sale.
Also, love the way your kitchen is looking these days!
I agree, your kitchen is stunning. I love these pictures of your darling boy helping out! This is Rowan’s favorite chore around here.
Funny you should mention your learning tower, Lilly; as I watched Emil climbing precariously up onto this stool, I actually thought of the pictures I have seen of W standing at the counter or window, and how perfect it would be for Emil at this age! I will be keeping my eye out for one on Craigslist!
child labor!
just kidding 🙂 this is really awesome! my little guy silas (18 months) goes to a montessori preschool, and i am always so amazed at the things they learn, and the tasks they are given. my current favorite is the fact that they teach children the meaning of “put away”. omg, it REVOLUTIONIZED reading time: once we finish one book, he no longer throws it down to pick the next one off the shelf. no, he dutifully follows the “please put it back” request before picking the next book.
neatest thing ever.
thanks for putting up all your examples of integrating these principles in your daily lives!
I love this theme! And though it’s already been said…wow! You have a beautiful home and beautiful children.