A fresh new school year always brings a wonderful wave of excitement, along with thoughtful questions from new and returning families alike. One of the most frequent questions parents ask us is, “How can we support our child’s Montessori education at home?”

First of all, we love this question! We deeply appreciate how much our busy families want to support the work their children and teachers are doing each day. Your partnership means everything to us, and supporting your child at home is often much simpler than you might think.

What You Do NOT Need to Do

• Purchase Montessori materials for home: We strongly recommend against buying specialized classroom materials. Montessori materials are designed for specific educational purposes and require intensive teacher training to introduce effectively. It is best to let credentialed Montessori educators guide children in using these materials within the prepared environment.
• Buy fancy organization systems: Supporting the Montessori philosophy at home does not need to cost a cent. It is far more about a shift in perspective and daily approach than buying stuff to enrich your home.
• Push for academic achievement: Children naturally make strides in academic areas when provided with the right support and guidance. There is no need to drill math facts or push for early reading; learning is non-linear, and every child reaches milestones in their own time. After working hard all day at school, home should be a place where your child can relax and recharge.

How You Can Truly Help

1. Learn about Montessori philosophy:

• Attend Parent Education Sessions: We host sessions at school throughout the year to help you connect with other families, meet our team, and deepen your understanding of Montessori principles.
• Read Recommended Books: Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard offers fantastic insights into the research behind our approach.
• Explore Articles: Review helpful resources provided by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Association Montessori Internationale/USA (AMI/USA).

1. Get involved in our school community:
   We welcome family involvement across many schedules and talents! Consider chaperoning field trips, assisting with school events or fundraising, helping with gardening projects, serving as a class liaison, or sharing a presentation about your career with the children.
2. "Follow the child":
   At its core, Montessori is about honoring the child as a whole human being deserving of respect. Encouraging independence—allowing children to do tasks for themselves and make appropriate choices—empowers them and builds confidence. While freedom operates within clear, loving boundaries, nurturing your child’s self-reliance creates lasting benefits for the whole family.
3. Spread the word: If you love the education your child receives at Montessori School of Oakton, share your experience! Leaving an online review or talking with friends at weekend sports games and neighborhood gatherings helps other families find the supportive learning environment they are searching for.

As parents, you are your child’s first and most important teachers. Together, we can nurture kind, confident, and capable children who love to learn.

We’d love to invite you into our welcoming space. Schedule a tour today!