Parents play an important role in the Montessori education model. You can help and support your child's teacher in a number of ways, even if you do not actually spend time in the classroom. Educating yourself on the tenets of the Montessori Method, applying the Montessori Method in your home, and making sure your child is getting adequate sleep are all ways that you can help your child's teacher in the Montessori classroom.

Educate yourself on the tenets of the Montessori Method

Understanding what happens in the Montessori classroom – and why – is an important part of helping your child's teacher in a Montessori program. When you understand the tenets of the Montessori Method it will help you understand the design of your child's program. Instead of feeling confused about what is going on or wondering why the teacher is doing things a certain way, you can look at everything through the lens of the Montessori Method. This can minimize the questions you have and reduce the need for the teacher to explain the underlying reasoning behind things like classroom design, individualized instruction, self-directed learning, etc.

Apply the Montessori Method in the home

The underlying philosophy of the Montessori Method can be applied in your home as well as in the classroom. Applying the Montessori Method in the home can help your child's teacher in a number of ways. For example, one tenet of the Montessori Method is that children are naturally smart and driven to learn. If you present children with the right type of opportunities, learning will happen naturally. The process often involves allowing the child to spend time in focused and independent activity. Creating the space at home for your child to engage in focused and independent activity will provide practice for that type of activity in the classroom. The transition into this type of learning in the classroom is easier when your child has practice engaging in that way at home.

Make sure your child is getting adequate sleep

Making sure your child gets adequate sleep is an important way that you can help your child's teacher. Sleep has a strong connection to the way your child feels and how he or she processes information. A lack of sleep can make it more difficult for your child to concentrate, absorb information, and control behavior. It will be a big help to your child's teacher if you ensure that they get adequate sleep and are ready to learn each day.

Suppose you are looking for ways to help your child's teacher, start with the tips outlined above. You can also let the teacher know that you are available to help in any other way that is needed. Teachers and parents can create a partnership that supports students' learning inside and outside of the classroom.