How Your Babysitter Can Incorporate Montessori Concepts at Home

The long-practiced Montessori education method has been proven to positively influence a child’s development. However, the word “Montessori” is not exactly self-explanatory. What is it exactly? The Montessori method involves a hands-on, child-centered approach. Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1906, this practice began in Italy and has grown to international success. Parents, siblings, and babysitters can always begin implementing Montessori concepts at home. The hard part is knowing how and when. Luckily, this curated list of Montessori philosophies is an excellent place to start.

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1. Make the choices endless

One of the many aspects of Montessori education is following the child’s lead. It encourages children to choose themselves and prioritize personal interests over traditional learning. The purpose of child-led learning, as shared by the American Montessori Society, is to spark individual curiosity in each child. Babysitters can engage in this by taking a step back from planning or leading the time spent together. Instead of suggesting activities, let the child do the talking/planning. Follow their interests, whether playing fairies, constructing a puzzle, collecting rocks, etc. As a sitter, ensure they don’t over-jam the day’s schedule. If the babysitter is too meticulous regarding their plans, the children won’t have an opportunity to make suggestions. Allowing the child to make choices while engaged in an activity is also important. Essentially, the care taker should observe but don’t intervene. Consider this scenario: a child is frustrated because their blocks won’t connect. How do they respond? The Montessori method says to let them figure it out.

2. Engage through positivity and guidance

By engaging in a child-led approach, the sitter still has to give them guidance and positive affirmations. Back to that block scenario, give them suggestions for moving forward. A babysitter should ask questions like, “How can we make this easier?” or, “How do you think we can solve this?” By doing so, they are encouraging them to find solutions themselves and fostering a space for critical thinking. Maria Montessori once said, “The goal of childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” This is what she meant. They are creating an environment for the child to figure out life’s learning independently.

Additionally, sitters should deliver positive feedback to the child. This education style focuses on mutual respect between the child and the adult. Use gentle and respectful language, and avoid using punitive language or rewards. In fact, Montessori does not support external rewards. Research shows this approach does not allow children to have internal motivation for tasks and learning. Instead, sitters should remind the child why it is good for them.

3. Foster an independent environment

Montessori strongly emphasizes fostering independence, and babysitters can do this by offering children opportunities to take responsibility for their environment and daily tasks. Children thrive when given age-appropriate functions that they can accomplish independently, which builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Encourage children to dress themselves, serve their own snacks, or put their own toys away. For example, the babysitter might offer a child a minor water pitcher and a cup, demonstrating how to pour the water carefully. Children find immediate satisfaction and motivation this way; this sense of independence is a core value of Montessori teaching. This education emphasizes using child-sized materials, such as small brooms, utensils, or even furniture that fits their size. Providing tools that are made for their age will empower them to participate in tasks they might otherwise struggle with, such as sweeping up crumbs or wiping down the table. Sitters can plan co-ed activities like baking or cleaning with these items.

4. Create a hands-on experience

On a day-to-day basis, they can create experiences that implement all of the above. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few:

• Practical Life Activities: These activities are perfect for children of all ages. Babysitters can introduce simple tasks like washing vegetables, folding towels, or doing dishes. Not only do these activities help children develop fine motor skills, but they also build concentration, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment.
• Nature Exploration: Give time to connect with nature. Babysitters can facilitate this by taking children outside to explore the natural world around them. Simple activities like collecting leaves, observing insects, or feeling natural textures like different tree branches can spark curiosity and learning.
• Art and Creative Expression: Provide materials for open-ended creative expression, such as drawing, painting, or building with blocks. This method does not emphasize prescribed projects like store-bought kits but encourages free expression and creativity. Let the child decide what to create to promote problem-solving and autonomy.

Although it may initially seem intimidating, incorporating Montessori concepts into babysitting isn’t about strictly adhering to a formal curriculum. Instead, it is about embracing the underlying principles of respect, independence, and hands-on learning. Don’t stress too much about the blueprint. Once you know the basics, you’ll find that a babysitter can seamlessly integrate it with daily life and positively impact everyone in the home.