A.M. Sterling

“Finally, you know your child better than anyone else. If you are having a very difficult time keeping your child on task, stop and consider if they are in fact ready for the activity, or if they have just been at it for too long that day. Consider how your child acts when not engaged in Montessori educational activities. Do you feel that there is a larger behavioral issue to address, or is this something that can be handled simply by adhering to a few rules? Any home schooling parent that is being honest will tell you that there are days, weeks, even months that seem to be a struggle. At some points you may doubt yourself and your ability to be your child’s educator. This is all completely normal. The rewarding part is when you make it through these periods, when you see how the Montessori activities that you have chosen have enriched your child and fostered an amazing love of learning. You and your child will develop a mutual respect for each other, and with persistence and love you will reap beautiful rewards.”
― A.M. Sterling, Montessori at Home Guide: A Short Guide to a Practical Montessori Homeschool for Children Ages 2-6

“First and foremost, the child must have respect for the materials in the learning environment. Each item has a purpose in the space. Unless you are encouraging imaginative play during free-play time, it is important that the child understand that each object is only to be used for the designated activity. Your child will have free choice of activities. If they choose an activity, they use the materials properly. All materials must be returned and cleaned up when finished.”
― A.M. Sterling, Montessori at Home Guide: A Short Guide to a Practical Montessori Homeschool for Children Ages 2-6