While homework in a traditional sense is not an integral part of Montessori education, home work (work at home) is. By “work” we mean activities that help children grow in their capacity for independence and enable them to fulfill their potential as human beings. There are so many opportunities for this kind of in your home environment.

It’s important for children’s social, emotional and physical growth that they take time after school for other important aspects of life, apart from schoolwork. Spending time with the immediate family, visiting neighbors and extended family and taking part in social activities are beneficial for your child. Children can take part in group activities, such as scouts, children’s choir, sports teams, or orchestra. They can pursue an activity they don’t do at school, such as pottery, instrument lessons or woodworking. Your child can participate actively in family life, pitching in to take care of the family pets, housework, and cooking.

In addition, families can support children’s academic learning from home by involving them in practical activities with math and numbers, such as baking, cooking, budgeting, earning their own money, or having a bank account. Board games and card games also support numeracy and literacy! Reading each evening with your child is a great way to connect, and expands their experience with language. If done regularly, the read aloud ritual can continue throughout middle school. 

Especially during the pandemic, as schools have been unable to offer Going Outs, day trips and outings with your Elementary child are important! Families could visit museums, interesting geological sites, places with native plants and animals, the public library, see live performances, or anything else which enables your child to have real experiences of the world. Even the simplest outdoor activities (going on a walk, visiting a new park, going to look at a pond, river or stream) can add a lot to a child’s understanding of the world around them.