Some requests from your child
I made this list for our Montessori playgroup with some requests from your child when families come to class. Apply equally at home too! You’re welcome.
Friendly reminders for our adults
- Please speak quietly with others to respect my concentration
- Please turn off your phones to be present in class with me
- Please guide or model for me to bring my activity to a work mat and to bring it back when done (never force them)
- Please ask my permission before picking me up
- Please use gentle hands with me when helping me to get dressed, or even better help me just as little as possible and as much as necessary
- Please wait until I’ve finished my activity before you ask to change my diaper or visit the toilet
- Please come over to me, wait til I’m ready, get my eye contact, make a request, count to 10 in your head to give me time to process your request
- Please let me sit, walk and climb at my own level – wait until my body is able to do it by myself rather than helping me too soon by holding my hands, propping me to sit, or letting me climb higher on the Pikler triangle or climbing wall than I can manage by mysefl
- Please let me set and clear the table myself and give me a little help if I need it
- Please relax, observe, learn, and leave happier than you came
You can download the PDF to print and hang on your fridge here.
If you found these requests from your child helpful, you might want to check out the original Montessori decalogue here.
Simone Davies is an experienced AMI Montessori educator since 2004. Simone is the author of “The Montessori Toddler” and co-author of “The Montessori Baby” and “The Montessori Child” books, comprehensive guides to raising children in a Montessori way. She is the founder of Jacaranda Tree Montessori in Amsterdam for families with children under 4 years. She also has a popular blog, instagram and podcast “The Montessori Notebook” and is mother to two young adults.