Hi Everyone, if it’s your first time here, welcome! My name is Carmen, I am a certified Montessori guide with the American Montessori Society and I am here to help you set up your Montessori learning environment in your home! Montessori can be quite daunting at first, once you know it’s core principles and start to practice the method in your own home it starts to become less intimidating and you will quickly get the hang of it. You’ll come to find that the Montessori method just makes sense and is one of the more laid back methods of learning.
Below I have listed a few FAQs along with some items to bring into your home for your newborn (0-3 months old to be exact). At this age the true essentials that your baby needs are feeding essentials, clothing essentials (loose and comfortable) and finally interaction and independent play essentials. The toys and materials I mention below contribute to your baby’s interactions and play.
What is Montessori?
“A man does not just happen; he does not just grow into a flower.” – Maria Montessori
Montessori is a method of teaching and education that is centered around self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make their own choices in their learning. The prepared classroom environment along with a highly trained teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process.
Observation and Following the Child
Having a nurturing environment to learn in gives children an advantage and that’s what the Montessori classroom does for a child. The Montessori classroom is based on observing and following the child. During the school day it is normal to see a teacher sitting back and just carefully observing the children in her care, she does so with a non-judgemental gaze to learn more about what her students needs are. Doing this allows us to know what they are capable of and in what areas they may need additional help. This is important because we want the child to be independent, so we do not give them any unnecessary aid. We allow the child space and time to figure out things on their own and we model behaviors we want them to learn. This builds confidence and a sense of pride.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” Maria Montessori
Montessori From the Start – This is one of my favorite Montessori books to recommend to parents. It gives a foundational knowledge of the Montessori curriculum and goes through practical steps like how to set up a Montessori-style bedroom.
What do I need to create a Montessori environment in my home?
At this age all you need are the baby basics. A mat for tummy time and a small shelf or basket to store your newborn’s activities. The environment should be prepared for and centered around your babies needs. There are so many great youtube videos and articles about how to set up a Montessori bedroom for newborns. I would suggest doing your own research to get a better understanding of how to do this. Here’s a video I have sent to new parents.
Things to Remember:
Respect comes first. Montessorians respect children. We show respect to the child from birth. Just because a child is smaller than us does not mean they are inferior.
Learning to focus is important in the Montessori curriculum. Focusing on one activity at a time is a skill we believe needs to be developed and this begins at birth. The toys and activities listed below aid in building this particular skill.
Let’s get into Montessori based activities for this age group! As a parent or family member you already know that every part of the environment is set up to meet your infants need. Consider yourself part of their environment. Your interaction with them is the most important activity. Talk to them while you are interacting with them, tell them what you are doing.”I’m changing your diaper. I’m undoing the diaper tabs and sliding off the diaper. I’m lifting up your legs.” Speak in soothing tones, sing to them etc. Although it may not seem like they can not do much, do not underestimate the way their minds are observing their environment and learning from their environment during this time. While they cannot understand your words they will pick up on tones and emotions. Give them lots of face time with you, around 4 weeks they will be able to start tracking objects so you can do that with your fingers and during tummy time talk to them so they are encouraged to try and strengthen their neck muscles by looking up at you.
Things to Avoid:
Sensory Overload (clutter, too many colors/noises, battery operated toys) Some of these items are not developmentally appropriate and can be overly stimulating. These items may also promote passive entertainment instead of active thinking and imagination. Go for a neutral and simple environment- this helps your baby focus and engage more from the very beginning.
Holding Toys (bouncers, infant seats, baby swings) These can some times restrict body movements and hinder independence. Of course sometimes holders are necessary for a family’s lifestyle and are not detrimental to their development.
Activities Baby’s Movement Area
Floor Mirror This allows your baby to see their environment and observe themselves.
Wooden Baby Gym For all of the beautiful Montessori Mobiles you will introduce to your baby.
The Lovevery Play Gym is a good all inclusive activity if you’re looking for a place to start. This company also has a subscription option and will send you Montessori-inspired toys based on your child’s age.
Description: In the Montessori method there are a series of mobiles that you can introduce in a specific order that compliments your babies physical development. This is the 1st mobile. A simple mobile with black and white contrasting geometric shapes and a glass sphere. There are several DIYs online for this mobile if you are up to making it. The measurements are pretty exact and are all based upon the glass ball.
How to use: Begin using this with your baby when they are 3-6 weeks old. Hang it in an area that is not too cluttered with not a lot of airflow, over a movement mat and 8-12 inches away from infants face. Try not to hang over a crib or changing table but allow them to be able to fully engage with the mobile and to not be distracted by other activity. Should be hung within the gaze of your little one but out of their reach.
Purpose: It helps develop the child’s ability to track vision, focus and develop a sense of beauty.
Octahedron Mobile (Mobile Set)
Description: In the Montessori method there are a series of mobiles that you can introduce in a specific order that compliments your babies physical development. This is the 2nd mobile. Three primary colored octahedrons.
How to Use: Hang it in an area that is not too cluttered, over a movement mat and 8-12 inches away from infants face. Try not to hang over a crib or changing table but allow them to be able to fully engage with the mobile and to not be distracted by other activity. Should be hung within the gaze of your little one but out of their reach.
Purpose: Babies around five weeks old begin to gradually develop a focus on moving objects, object tracking, and perception of color and depth. And octahedral condole is acted the role of with the basic color in the color red, yellow, blue will help baby vision to develop.
Gobbi Ball Mobile (Mobile Set)
Description: In the Montessori method there are a series of mobiles that you can introduce in a specific order that compliments your babies physical development. This is the 3rd mobile, suitable for babies from 7 to 10 weeks old. It was designed by Dr. Montessori’s student Gobbi.
How to Use: Hang it in an area that is not too cluttered, over a movement mat and 8-12 inches away from infants face. Try not to hang over a crib or changing table but allow them to be able to fully engage with the mobile and to not be distracted by other activity. Should be hung within the gaze of your little one but out of their reach.
Purpose: Fade ball pendant is designed to help your baby focus and feel by providing a way to watch the same color fade.
Description: This is the 4th mobile of the series. This mobile is composed of four stylized dancers, consisting of three elements: a head, arms and legs. The forms represent dancers in different positions and all the elements that make up each dancer are independent. The dancers are made in the holographic paper, this paper has the distinction of reflecting the light.
How to Use: It is advisable to hang the mobile close enough to the baby (at the level of his belly) so that the movements of his arms can make the paper dancers “dance”, but he can not touch it nor catch.
Purpose: Over time, he will make the link between his own arm movements and the movements of the mobile dancers.
Description: A board book with black and white contrasting images that unfolds like an accordion.
How to Use: Unfold the book alongside the infant when laying on the floor.
Purpose: Develop babies visual perception: these black and white infant cards use high-contrast images to provide visual stimulation as babies begin to make visual connections with the world around them
Amazon Description: A set of 24 cards with 48 images (back and front). Each page contains high contrast images designed for babies 6 weeks to 6 months. Research has shown that new born babies can only see objects range from 5 inches to 27 inches, and they are sensitive to black and white color. These black and white high contrast cards are good for babies’ eyesight and cognitive development
How to Use: Place above crib, changing table or along the wall during tummy time.
Purpose: Develop babies visual perception: these black and white infant cards use high-contrast images to provide visual stimulation as babies begin to make visual connections with the world around them
Grasping Materials Set (wooden cause and effect, wooden with bells on the end)
Note: please make sure that if you are giving your baby any items with small objects attached that the items are tightly secured and that you are supervising them the entire time.
Description: Small rattles and graspers that your baby is able to hold on to.
How to Use: Gently place the rattle into your baby’s hand, allow them to grasp onto the rattle and move it on their own.
Purpose: Aids in the development of hand eye coordination, reflexes and fine motor skills.
Description: Smooth wooden disks that are interlocked. First used as a grasping toy, then a teether and finally a toy for when your baby begins to crawl.
How to Use: Gently place the toy into your baby’s hand, allow them to grasp onto the rattle and move it on their own.
Purpose: Improves hand-eye coordination, concentration, grasping and exploring skills. Supports hand-to-hand transfer, which promotes cross-body coordination.
Description: Develops the sense of touch and hearing.
How to Use: Gently place the rattle into your baby’s hand, allow them to grasp onto the rattle and move it on their own.
Purpose: Aids in the development of hand eye coordination, reflexes and fine motor skills.
Description: Soft fabric ball in contrasting colors.
How to Use: Hang it in an area that is not too cluttered, over a movement mat and 8-12 inches away from infants face. Try not to hang over a crib or changing table but allow them to be able to fully engage with the mobile and to not be distracted by other activity. Should be hung within the gaze of your little one but out of their reach.
Purpose: Designed to help your baby focus and as they grow older something soft to feel and hold on to.
Other items that may be helpful
I hope this helps you as you set up a beautiful Montessori environment for your baby! Follow me on instagram @thegoodcarmablog for more Montessori Mondays!
xo,
Carmen
Robyn says
Thank you for this!! Everything you do is so thoughtful.