Hey there! I’m Ashley, a busy mom of two little girls named Kylie (4 years old) and Mia (2 years old). I recently started sharing our daily routine with you all, but things have changed a bit since Kylie started Montessori preschool two weeks ago. So today, I wanted to give you a glimpse into our new school morning routine with a preschooler and a toddler.
Our morning starts at 6:30 am when my alarm goes off. Sometimes the girls wake up on their own around the same time, and they eagerly join me in the bathroom as I get ready for the day. Afterward, we head downstairs for breakfast, where the girls enjoy the independence of choosing and serving themselves their own breakfast. While they eat, they also have a little bit of screen time, and during this time, I make myself a cup of coffee and prepare Kylie’s snack box. Once breakfast is over, Kylie gets dressed for school and spends some time in front of the mirror fixing her hair. She then puts on her socks and shoes by herself, packs her backpack, and we head out to the car. I drop Kylie off at school around 8:15-8:20 am, and then Mia and I return home for the rest of our morning routine, engaging in various activities until it’s time to pick up Kylie from school. Sounds like a busy but fulfilling morning, right? Stay tuned for more Montessori at Home tips and advice!
Morning Routine Preparation
Setting the alarm
Your morning routine begins at 6:30 am when your alarm goes off. However, sometimes your little girls, Kylie and Mia, wake up on their own at the same time. They eagerly join you in the bathroom as you go through your own morning routine.
Getting ready in the bathroom
By 6:45 am, you and the girls are ready to head downstairs and have breakfast together. While you get ready in the bathroom, the girls have the opportunity to brush their teeth and wash their faces, developing good hygiene habits from a young age.
Breakfast options for the girls
During breakfast, your girls enjoy having the independence to choose and serve themselves. You provide a range of options, such as a cereal station with small containers they can easily open and close on their own. They also have access to the lower part of the refrigerator where they can get milk, fruit, and yogurt.
Screen time during breakfast
While the girls prepare and eat their own breakfast, they have the privilege of having 15-20 minutes of screen time. As busy parents, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance when it comes to screen time, and this designated time during breakfast allows the girls to enjoy their favorite shows or games.
Getting Ready for School
Preparing Kylie’s snack box
As Kylie attends Montessori preschool for a half day, you prepare her snack box with some nutritious options. Today’s snack box includes apple cinnamon rice crisps and fresh cut cantaloupe. Kylie now has input on what snack she wants from the available options, encouraging her to make choices and take ownership of her own preferences.
Kylie getting dressed
Kylie takes pride in choosing her clothes the night before, folding them neatly, and setting them on her beanbag chair. In the morning, she quickly gets dressed, sometimes spending a few minutes in front of the mirror to brush her hair and decide on her hairstyle for the day.
Kylie fixing her hair
Kylie enjoys experimenting with different hairstyles, from leaving her hair down to putting it in a low ponytail. Today, she opts for a half ponytail, adding a small butterfly barrette with your help. This little moment of self-expression allows her to explore her personal style and build confidence in her ability to make decisions.
Putting on socks and shoes
Once dressed, Kylie heads back downstairs to put on her socks and shoes near the front door. This task is one she takes pride in doing by herself, showcasing her growing independence and sense of responsibility.
Heading to School
Packing Kylie’s backpack
After putting on her shoes, Kylie packs her backpack with her water bottle and snack box. Encouraging her to take responsibility for her belongings and stay organized from an early age helps to foster a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.
Driving to school
As you head out to the car, it’s around 7:55 am. Both Kylie and Mia enjoy the process of getting into the car, buckling themselves into their car seats, and taking ownership over their daily routine. You’re only a few minutes away from the school, so the drive is short and convenient.
Dropping Kylie off
Arriving at the school, you pull up to the front where an assistant from Kylie’s classroom comes to greet you and safely escorts Kylie into the building. This efficient drop-off system ensures a smooth transition for Kylie as she starts her day at preschool.
Timeframe for drop-off
By the time you drop off Kylie, it’s around 8:15-8:20 am. This timeframe allows you to ensure Kylie’s punctuality while also giving you enough time to return home and spend quality time with Mia.
Preschooler at Home
Mia’s morning snack
Once back home, Mia’s first order of business is to have a small snack. Similar to Kylie, Mia enjoys the independence of choosing her own snacks from the options you provide. For today’s snack, she selects some apple cinnamon rice crisps and a few dried mango slices.
Mia’s work cycle
From 8:30 to 11:00 am, Mia engages in her work cycle. This work cycle consists of a variety of activities that cater to her interests and development. It allows her to explore and learn independently, promoting her cognitive and motor skills.
Activities during work cycle
During Mia’s work cycle, she first decides to play with the dollhouse in Kylie’s room. This newfound interest has developed over the past few weeks. Mia then spends time climbing around on the pickler triangle outside of the bedrooms, which provides her with an opportunity to practice her gross motor skills.
Playing ‘I Spy’
As Mia continues her work cycle, you join her for a game of “I Spy.” This game not only provides a fun and engaging activity for Mia but also allows her to develop her language, observation, and critical thinking skills.
Mid-morning snack
Around 11:05 am, it’s time to pick up Kylie from school. Before you leave, Mia enjoys another snack. This snack time is typically her mid-morning break, and today she wanted a waffle with cream cheese, fulfilling her appetite while preparing for the upcoming drive.
Picking Up from School
Going to pick up Kylie
With Mia fueled up and ready to go, you head out together to pick up Kylie from school. This routine ensures that Mia is involved in the entire process, helping her feel included and part of the daily activities.
Waiting in the car
Once you arrive at the school, you wait in the car until the doors open. This allows you to stay comfortable while ensuring you’re ready to pick up Kylie promptly.
Arriving at school
When the doors open, you and Mia make your way inside the school to meet Kylie and her classroom assistant. Mia looks forward to the moment when she can see her sister again and share in their daily experiences.
Time of arrival
The time of arrival at school is typically around 11:30 am. This timing aligns with the school’s schedule and allows Kylie to continue her day with the knowledge that you are there to support her.
Afternoon Activities
Engaging in various activities
After picking up Kylie, you drive back home and embark on a range of activities for the afternoon. These activities foster creativity, learning, and quality time together as a family. You might engage in arts and crafts, outdoor play, or simply spend time reading and exploring new interests.
Quality time together
The afternoon provides an opportunity for you to bond and create lasting memories with your girls. Whether it’s through imaginative play, baking treats, or going on a nature walk, these activities strengthen your family’s connection and encourage your children’s emotional development.
Montessori at Home series
The video shared by Hapa Family is part of a larger series called “Montessori at Home.” This series offers tips and advice on implementing Montessori principles in your own home. Montessori education emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and a prepared environment to foster a child’s natural curiosity and love for learning.
Tips and advice for implementation
Throughout the Montessori at Home series, you’ll find practical tips and advice for incorporating Montessori principles into your daily routines. This includes creating a prepared environment, designing age-appropriate activities, and promoting independence and self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
Video and affiliate links
The video shared by Hapa Family provides valuable insights into their Montessori school morning routine at home with a preschooler and a toddler. The video shares their experiences and offers inspiration for creating a nurturing environment for children.
Supporting the creator
While the video is not sponsored, Hapa Family mentions that some links included in the video description may be affiliate links. By watching the video and using these affiliate links, viewers can support the creator in continuing to provide free content each week without any additional charge.
Creator’s e-courses
Hapa Family acknowledges that they offer e-courses on Montessori at home and positive discipline parenting. These e-courses provide a more in-depth exploration of Montessori principles and parenting techniques, offering guidance for parents who want to create a Montessori-inspired environment and build positive relationships with their children.
Positive discipline parenting
In addition to Montessori principles, Hapa Family also emphasizes positive discipline parenting. This approach focuses on building mutual respect, effective communication, and problem-solving skills with children. By using positive discipline techniques, parents can guide their children’s behavior in a respectful and loving manner.
As you follow this Montessori school morning routine with your own children, remember that every family is unique and adaptable. The key is to prioritize your children’s well-being and provide an environment that fosters their growth and development.