Montessori method was created by Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician and educator. Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.
I support Montessori method of teaching at home, parents can easily incorporate Montessori at home for children at any age. I have one 21 months old who can feed himself using spoon, fork, and drink water from a cup by himself. I often include my children in prepping meals such as washing and cutting fruits and vegetables, stirring the pot, making the pizza dough, and any simple tasks that can be done by children. Don’t get me wrong, it is not easy to cook with children especially baking. I plan out the activity and look up for cookie recipe to make it together, but within 5 minutes, I regret my decision because they are either not following my direction or making such a mess in the kitchen. Instead of helping, my children do create more work for me to do. However, they are filled with joy that they created something or helped baking cookies. That precious look on their faces are what keeps me going.
I originally started including my older daughter in the cookie because she showed interest in what I did in the kitchen. She always wanted to see and mimic what I did in the kitchen. As she got familiarized with certain vegetables by playing, she was willing to try tasting it. During the meal cooking time, it was my method of keeping her busy, and to help her overcoming the picky eater stage. She is now 3 and half years old and loves all the vegetables and is an adventurous eater. If there is something new on her plate, I ask her to try once and she may not eat it if she doesn’t like it after trying once.
Fun meals 