The Role of the Parent and the School

Parent, teacher, child, and school relationships are very important in a student's life. An alliance based on mutual respect and support will enhance all individuals' understanding, knowledge, and insight and offer a cohesive, prepared learning environment.

How to give support to your school

- Be involved, volunteer
- Be informed, attend all conferences & meetings
- Be knowledgeable, attend Parent Education meetings
- Contribute your knowledge

Involved parents support their Montessori school by contributing their time and talents. Each school offers different programs and projects for parents to volunteer their time, energy, and resources.

Informed parents communicate with their school by attending planned conferences and other parent activities, reading newsletters and e-mails, and asking questions. Ask the school's administrator or your child's teacher for the best time and method to communicate informally — to share insights, questions, and observations.

Knowledgeable parents select a school by seeking an optimal match between their child's needs; their expectations; and the school's philosophy, program, and services. Parents support the school's policies and procedures and attend Parent Education Meetings, as well as read articles and books about Montessori education.

And most importantly feel welcome in your school community. Montessori is a philosophy of life not merely an academic educational methodology. Montessori schools not only enroll children they enroll families.

Parents and the American Montessori Society - Public Policy and Advocacy

Dr. Maria Montessori viewed the child as a member of a family, not as an isolated individual, and one whose most formative life experiences take place within the family. She recognized parents as a child's first and most influential teachers.

As a parent you are a role model and teacher

- Know your child well
- Be a patient observer and careful listener
- Place your confidence in your child
- Provide simple, safe and consistent rules encouraging your child to take responsibility and to contribute to his or her home and family.

As a parent you prepare your child's home

- Provide safety (physical & emotional)
- Provide organization, consistency, a reliable routine
- Prepare areas that are child sized — a place of her/his own
- Provide your child age-appropriate responsibilities in you home
- Provide "real life" experiences
- Provide age-appropriate choices and opportunities to make positive decisions

As a parent you set the limits

- Offer protection from objects and ideas that can hurt
- Always encourage your child to be capable and confident
- Limit toys and games to a workable number (rotate toys)
- Monitor television and other forms of media (inappropriate exposure can negatively affect social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth)
- Develop consistent routines which encourage your child to develop self-control (self-control, responsible behavior and freedom are outcomes, not starting points)

As a parent you support and encourage your child

- Offer great possibilities for exploration in the home environment
- Encourage children to do for themselves ("Let me do it myself!")
- Encourage your child to be an active agent of his/her own education