"We can see clearly what is necessary to give in order to help the child. It is to give the possibility of independence, of living together and carrying out social experiences."

DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

How do we implement components of the Montessori environment to our time away from home?  How can we set up our child to be the most successful while on vacation and out of a typical routine?

Try to get into a "vacation routine" as quickly as possible. 

Try to keep elements from home the same if you are able.  For example, if your child  reads and then takes a bath before bed at 7:30, try to keep the same timing.  The youngest child thrives in consistency and routine. In the classrooms, we uphold the same schedule throughout the day.

Prepare the environment. 

Does your child have what they need to stay focused and engaged during the plane flight or at a restaurant?  Gather some items from home that your child enjoys that are smaller in size and can be transported easily.  If you are able, chose something your child has not seen in a while or perhaps something new that will keep his interest.  Place the items in a small bag that the child can tend to and choose from while travelling.  In the classrooms, the environment is prepared by the directress.  At home or on vacation the preparations come from the parent.

Give your child jobs she can do that still fosters independence. 

Have your child help pack his or her suitcase.  Show them where items are placed so they can get what they need.  If you are in a hotel, where is the restroom, toilet paper and towels?  If you are at a condo, where are the cups and how should the child access water? Can they help you with the laundry if there's a laundry facility? In the classrooms, the children are shown where the items they need are and then shown how to work with these items. 

They need rest from mental stimulation. 

Make sure to observe your child and note when they might need a little down time.  On vacations especially, children will become over stimulated or simply exhausted.  Act according to their needs. In the classroom, the children are free to gaze out the window or talk to a friend after completing a long work.  The directress and assistant are trained to observe and know when the child may need rest after extended stimulation.

Although many of these ideas are the ideal, this isn't always the case when away from home to on a trip.  Implementing these ideas as much as you are able will help your child (and you!) have a more enjoyable time!