How to Pique Your Child’s Interest in an Activity

Montessori is child-led BUT teachers also realize that sometimes it's important to teach a skill the child hasn't shown interest in.

For example:

• Fine motor work - because this is the gateway to self-care - dressing, feeding, toilet independence, etc
  
  
• Letters and numbers - because math, language, and reading skills open up so many new avenues for learning and understanding the world
  
  
• Practical life (i.e cleaning, food prep) - because care-of-the-self helps children develop independence and confidence

So if a child isn't showing interest in a skill they are developmentally ready for... Montessori teachers will find a way to pique their interest and engage them.

How to Pique Your Child’s Interest in an Activity

There’s a strategy many teachers use - introduce the activity in a way that makes it seem like it’s the most interesting activity they’ve ever done.

It sounds silly, but it works.

First, get down on your child's level so you're eye to eye.

Next, say something like, “I have a new activity I want to show you today. We’re going to explore different farm animals and learn their names. Let’s go find them!” Your tone and expression should be a mixture of excitement and mystery.

You can do this with any type of activity:

• "I have these scratchy [sandpaper] letters. Feel this one! Doesn't that feel funny? This one makes an 'mm' sound. Can you say 'mm'?"
• "Do you want to help me fold the laundry? I love having a nice, big pile of folded laundry to put away and it's fun to find all the sock pairs!"
• “There’s a new water activity for you to explore today. Want to see it?”
• “I set up something colourful at the table. I wonder what we can make with it?”
• “Let’s go clean up your room together. I bet we'll find some cool stuff we haven't played with in a while and you'll also have so much more room to play on the floor when we're done!”
• “I need a special helper to set the table. Want to be in charge of the spoons today?"