One of the goals of Montessori education is to make the child independent and be able to do things for himself. This is achieved by giving children opportunities: opportunities to move, to dress themselves, to choose what they want to do, and to help adults with tasks. When the children are able to do things for themselves there is an increase in their self-belief, self-confidence, and esteem that they may carry on throughout their life.
The holidays are a perfect time to share those opportunities, so we offer the following.
Also included is one of our favorite charts, Age Appropriate Chore Chart
for Children, which supports a child’s independence and growth!
Toddlers
Children of all ages can assist with flower arranging and even the youngest can also help:
- Set the table
- Assist with clearing the table
- Sweep/mop the floor
- Wash the table
- Dust the shelves
- Even the youngest of children love washing, cutting, and serving fruits and vegetables.
Primary
Primary-aged children can take part in all the activities that toddler-aged children do. They also love to bake! They can:
- Help to get the flour and sugar out of containers
- Measure
- Mix
- Use cookie cutters
- Roll
- Decorate
- And of course eat!
- They love to help decorate the house, outside and inside.
- They can help decorate the tree as well!
Elementary
There are life skills for children to learn and enjoy everyday. Around the holidays elementary-aged children can:
- Make arts and crafts for gifts or home decorations!
- Write thank you notes for gifts
- Learn how to wrap presents
- Read to a sibling or a friend
- Carol or sing holiday songs
- Learn how to make/decorate holiday cookies or dinners
- Be of service. Consider a service project to do with your child to support the community
- Set the table for guests
- Hang lights
- Take down decorations after any family celebration
- Help clean the house after everyone comes for the holidays
