Live session with Saniyyah Khalilallah
In our most recent live event, we were thrilled to host a session focused on integrating Montessori principles into home environments. Guided by Sylvia, a Montessori expert from Guide and Grow, and Saniyyah Khalilallah, an experienced Montessori educator and author, the lively discussion offered valuable insights, practical advice, and answered pressing queries from parents eager to foster a love of learning in their children. Here’s a recap of the wisdom shared to help you embark on a transformative Montessori journey at home.
Starting Montessori at Home: The Basics
Montessori at home is more than just an educational philosophy; it’s a way of life that respects the child’s natural desire to learn through exploration and interaction with their environment. Sylvia underscored the importance of observing your child to understand their interests and developmental stage. This observation is key to presenting them with activities that not only captivate their attention but also support their growth.
The Significance of Practical Life Activities
Both Sylvia and Saniyyah emphasized the critical role of practical life activities. These simple yet impactful tasks are the cornerstone of Montessori at home. By involving children in everyday chores like cooking, cleaning, and gardening, we not only teach them valuable life skills but also nurture their independence, confidence, and motor skills. The beauty of these activities lies in their ability to be adapted to the child’s changing interests and abilities, keeping the learning experience fresh and engaging.
The Montessori Environment: Simplifying to Empower
One of the most common misconceptions about Montessori is the need for specialized, often expensive materials. Saniyyah beautifully debunked this, sharing how Maria Montessori herself started with minimal resources. The essence of Montessori materials is their purpose – to aid the child’s exploration and learning. Parents were encouraged to use natural, everyday items and to focus on creating a prepared environment that fosters independence. For instance, a simple stool can serve multiple roles, from helping a child reach the sink to acting as a table for activities, proving that simplicity and adaptability are key in a Montessori home.
Answering Community Queries: From Teeth Brushing to Choosing Materials
Throughout the event, Sylvia and Saniyyah addressed numerous questions from the community. For parents struggling to get their children interested in brushing teeth or transitioning away from electronic toys, the advice was consistent: lead by example, integrate Montessori principles of observation and respect, and adapt the environment to encourage participation and independence.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Montessori Philosophy
The session ended with a powerful reminder: Montessori is not just about achieving academic milestones but about raising well-rounded, confident, and independent individuals. By adopting the Montessori philosophy at home, parents and caregivers can provide a nurturing space that respects each child’s unique path to learning and development.
Enter the Montessori Journey at Home
Whether you’re new to Montessori or looking to deepen your existing practice, Sylvia and Saniyyah’s insights offer a reassuring guide. By embracing simplicity, observing your child’s natural interests, and incorporating practical life activities, you can unlock a world of joyful learning and growth for your child, all within the comfort of your home.
Meet our esteemed Guest
Saniyyah Khalilallah is a certified Montessori educator with over ten years of experience teaching children aged 3 to 6 years old. A passionate advocate of the Montessori philosophy, she shares activities that focus on practical life skills on her blog, skmontessori.com, and offers consulting and tutoring services to parents who are beginning their journey of setting up a Montessori-inspired homeschool environment. She lives in Brooklyn, New York where she continues to write, tutor, teach and consult
Keep following us for more events like this, where we connect you with experts to help navigate the rewarding journey of Montessori at home. Together, let’s guide and grow our children towards a lifelong love of learning.
