You carefully chose Montessori as a preferred preschool program for your child. But at the end of their school day, they get into the car and say absolutely nothing. What can you do to learn more about your child’s day? Take a look at the top conversation starters that will get your child talking.

What Activities Did You Choose?

Unlike traditional school classrooms, Montessori preschools provide young children with the chance to make their own choices. This fosters a sense of independence in learning — and in life. Instead of the teacher scheduling specific activities (such as finger painting or block play) throughout the day, Montessori educators provide their students with options.

Talk to your preschooler about which activities they chose during their day to allow you to better understand what the Montessori classroom has to offer. You can then also more easily connect what your child is learning at school with what they do at home.

Why Did You Choose the Activities?

Not only do you want to know what your child does during their day, but you also need to know why. The decision to choose one activity over another says something about your child. Learn about their decision-making process to better understand your child’s interests and strengths.

Along with hearing about what activities your child chose to engage with, the why’s behind their decisions can also clue you in to areas your child may need to work on. The decision to exclude an activity (or an activity area) may indicate an anxiety, aversion, or other issues that you need to address.

What Materials Did You Use?

The Montessori preschool classroom isn’t filled with the same types of toys you’d find in other childcare or early learning environments. Instead, Montessori preschool classrooms rely on specially designed materials that promote the educational philosophy’s learning principles.

The specific materials your child’s teacher provides help the young students to develop a specific skill area or better understand a concept. This includes anything from math (size, shape, numbers) to art (color, texture).

Many of the preschool classroom materials transition into the kindergarten and elementary years. The multi-functional approach to material design allows a child to build new skills, delve deeper into their own learning interests, and grow as a person.

The answer to this question serves a double purpose. It gives you an idea of what your child is interested in or enjoys doing during school and can also help you to better understand what Montessori materials are.

What Nice Thing Did Someone Do for You Today?

Montessori uses a multi-age classroom approach. That means your younger preschooler has plenty of older mentors. The social aspects of the Montessori preschool provide children with the ability to help not just themselves, but one another too.

Even though learning is a priority, becoming a whole individual who cares for others is part of the educational experiences. Asking your child about what other people have done for them is an easy way to bridge the concepts of caring, empathy, and thinking beyond one’s self.

What Nice Thing Did You Do for Someone Else?

Your child isn’t only receiving help from their peers, they’re also giving it. Encourage your child to think about other people’s needs by asking them about what they did for a friend during the school day.

If your child is stuck, when answering this question, dig deeper. Maybe they helped a friend out in a way they don’t easily understand. Ask for a recap of the day’s social situations or a breakdown of group activities.

Are you looking for a new Montessori preschool for your child? Contact Miniapple International Montessori School for more information.