NUTRITION AUTHOR
Alexie Rendon
A KITCHEN FIT FOR THE MONTESSORI METHOD n A rundown on why the Montessori method is
beneficial and how you can make it a reality in your own kitchen.
J
anuary is finally here! Although this means holiday baking and festive dinner parties are coming to a close, that does not mean the family fun in the kitchen has to end. Spending intentional time in the kitchen with your kids is a wonderful way to make memories, build life skills and improve their nutrition. Although the thought of tiny helper hands in your kitchen may seem a bit ambitious, children are adaptable and fast learners, given the proper guidance. Age-appropriate guidance can come in many forms. The Montessori method for learning is one way to give your children the chance to lead their own discovery process in an environment that sets them up for success.
consideration a child’s cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs. The area is set up for exploration by giving opportunities for self-motivated growth.
What is the Montessori method?
For starters, swap the play fridge for one that is working. Keep it kid-sized. Compact refrigerators that fit six cans are a great option to consider. Fill it with small portions of fruits and veggies or beverages ready to be poured. You can also provide a personal faucet for children to use. Celebrity chef Bobby Parrish and his wife Dessi have already done it for you! Watch their video online for a tour of their young daughter’s functional kitchen
How do I create a Montessori-friendly kitchen space in my home?
The Montessori method is about providing children of all ages with the opportunity to participate in developmentally appropriate hands-on activities. Think beyond the play kitchen. Setting up a space for Montessori means making a child’s kitchen fully functional, meaning a child can choose to use the tools they are given to make themselves a snack.
How do I make my child’s kitchen functional?
The Montessori method was created by Italian physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. Her approach to education has spread through schools and homes across the globe. As outlined on the American Montessori Society’s website, the Montessori Method focuses on meeting a child’s needs through multiple areas of development. A Montessori-friendly learning environment takes into
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