Dr. Maria Montessori founded the Montessori method. She was a doctor and an educator, and she believed that children learn best by doing. She used hands-on, experiential learning with the students in her schools.

The Montessori method emphasizes choice, and children have control over their learning. The pace is self-directed, and collaboration is valued. Children are the architects of their educational experience.

Today the Montessori method remains a strong force in education. There are Montessori schools and programs all over the world, as well as programs designed for the home.

Today the Montessori method remains a strong force in education. There are Montessori schools and programs all over the world, as well as programs designed for the home.

Using a subscription service is a great way to bring the Montessori method into your home. Subscription boxes are convenient, and you can be confident knowing the activities have been tested. With a Montessori subscription box, children enjoy the process of creating and parents enjoy their child’s one-of-a-kind creations.

There are 5 principles of the Montessori Method:

• Principle 1 - Respect for the Child
• Principle 2 - The Absorbent Mind
• Principle 3 - Sensitive Periods
• Principle 4 - The Prepared Environment
• Principle 5 - Auto-Education

Respect for the Child

Respect for the Child means allowing children to guide their own learning without unnecessary interference from adults. Children are an important part of the community, and they use kindness, grace, and courtesy when interacting with others.

The Absorbent Mind

The Absorbent Mind refers to the period from birth to 6 years when children are wired for learning from their environment without conscious effort. During that time, children are naturally motivated to seek out new experiences, and they are learning to be the adult they will become.

Sensitive Periods

Sensitive Periods are times when children have tremendous capacities to learn certain skills. They’re able to focus and acquire great things. In Montessori, the four main sensitive periods are:

• Order (1 to 3 years old)
• Movement (0 to 5 years old)
• Spoken language (0 to 6 years old)
• Sensorial activity (0 to 5 years old)

The Prepared Environment

The Prepared Environment refers to a space that’s maximized for children’s independent learning. A well-prepared environment gives children the freedom to explore and to take care of their own needs. Think low sinks or step-stools so children can wash their hands and brush their teeth without help from an adult.

Auto-Education

Auto-Education is the concept of self-correcting materials used in the Montessori method. Items and activities are created so children can see when they’ve made a mistake and correct it themselves.

When choosing a Montessori subscription box, make sure it follows the 5 principles. Also, pay close attention to the age ranges it’s designed for so you know it’s developmentally appropriate for your child.

It’s important to understand Montessori materials so you know Materials that engage children are very important in Montessori. They’re simple, high-quality items that draw children in and get them excited.

And there is a lot of talk recently about what materials are Montessori and what aren’t. Montessori materials promote independence. They are high-quality and self-correcting.

That being said, you don’t need materials at home! But make sure your toys are high-quality (children prefer fewer high-quality toys) and open-ended. This way, children are free to explore and create to their heart’s delight.

When choosing an artsy or crafty Montessori subscription box for your family, make sure the activities are open-ended and allow children the freedom to create individualized pieces.

Montessori activities are child-led because children are the drivers in their learning. They appeal to children’s senses because sensorial learning is critical to the Montessori way. Children need to feel the coldness of finger paint, and they need to smell the playdough cooking on the stove. They need to hear the tissue paper crinkle as they create.

The Montessori method says that “play is the work of the child,” so all activities are called “work.” Often art is considered extra–something to do when the “real” work is finished. The Montessori method reinforces the idea that art is real work, and all children are artists.

So read the sample instructions for the activities of the subscription boxes. Are the directions rigid? Do they require a lot of adult assistance?

Remember the Montessori method encourages self-sufficiency, and adults assist only when necessary. And if the subscription box is filled with cookie cutter crafts, it’s not Montessori.

The Montessori method takes time because children work at their own pace. It focuses on process over product. This can feel uncomfortable if you’re new to Montessori because some other instructional models consider the final product most important.

Organizing materials, working through the activity, and cleaning up are all part of the Montessori method. And these things all take time. Sometimes more than one sitting, and sometimes more than one day.

Being engaged and sustained in a process is a super important skill, especially now in our one-click world. Allowing children the time to work, and respecting their process is core to the Montessori philosophy. And let’s not forget the importance of patience. Being able to wait peacefully while the paint dries is a skill, too!

So when selecting a subscription service, pay attention to the suggested time required for the activities. Do the boxes have quick one-off projects? Or do they contain activities that encourage children to express themselves? Montessori activities take time, so a subscription box has value when it can keep children engaged for long periods of time.

If it’s one-and-done, keep looking.

Ready to bring the Montessori way into your home today? Kids Art Box has everything you need. Its founder, Melanie, created Kids Art Box with the Montessori philosophy in mind. And her three children have attended Montessori school since they were babies.

A subscription to Kids Art Box consistently brings different art media and techniques right to your doorstep. There are 3 options to choose from:

• The Mommy and Me Box has 3 art activities, 1 science activity, and a baking activity and is designed for ages 3-6.
• The Daddy and Me Box has 3 art activities, 1 science activity, and 1 origami activity, and is designed for ages 4-7.
• My Artist Box has 2 art activities, 1 technique activity, and 1 diorama activity, and every month you learn about a new artist.

Everything you need is included except things you already have at home like paper towels, plates, scissors, etc. Each box has three art activities and a science activity. Kids Art Box offers a balance between process and product art. The boxes are open-ended so children can create and experiment.

Want to try it out before subscribing? No problem. Kids Art Box has subscriptions available from 1-month to 1-year. And you can cancel 1-month subscriptions at any time, so you don’t have to worry about making a long commitment.

Click here to get your subscription started today.

And happy Montessori making!