How It All Began

The Honed Method came to be when I moved in with my partner and his two sons, aged five and seven. While the home definitely needed some re-organization, I realized that solving the problem wasn’t as simple as removing unwanted items and adding some bins. My partner wanted his growing sons to be more independent, more accountable, to build self-confidence and feel empowered. From my point of view, re-organizing the home to suit our needs as adults wasn’t going to achieve that for the kids. I needed to hone in on a method of organizing that would achieve those goals.

First Step of Bringing a Montessori Prepared Environment Into Your Home

I began organizing the home as I had for my Lower Elementary classroom. I took what worked at school for the students and replicated that at home. The items I had seen them use at home the most needed to be “prepared” so the boys could access them independently, without the help of their dad or myself. I moved dishes from upper cabinets to low drawers so they can set the table and unload the dishwasher. I moved the kids beloved cereal and snacks to lower cabinets and the lowest shelves so they can make their own snacks. Cleaning products such as the dust pan & brush, non-toxic cleaners and cloths were moved to the lower shelves of the cleaning closet so they can clean up their art projects or spills. Their art supplies were moved to a drawer in the kitchen, because they love drawing or completing homework at the kitchen table when we are making dinner.

How a Prepared Space Can Immediately Create Independence, Confidence and Harmony

They boys grew more excited with each new “prepared” space, commented several times how much easier it was to “find their stuff”, and even commented on how nice it looked! That showed me that there was a good chance they would not only entertain this new method, but maintain it! My partner saw immediate results. Within a few days, he was no longer asked for a snack, where the coloured pencils and paper were, and if he could help get the heavy plates out of the cupboard. Their confidence increased, there was less whining about lost items, and they were more apt to doing their chores without reminders, because they could do it independently, and on their own time. As for myself, I loved witnessing the independence, confidence and calmness that had developed in our home.

While this method works for the children, it has also helped my partner and I tremendously. Items have a home, are labelled, and are easy to locate. We no longer have to ask each other where something is, which has alleviated frustration and wasted time. The four of us have noticed more harmony and peace in the home, allowing more time for fun, spontaneity and relaxation.

Now It Is Your Turn

It is a proven methodology, originated by Dr. Maria Montessori over one hundred years ago. I’ve witnessed the effects in my own classroom, and most recently in my home. And now, I want you to experience that for yourself, in your own home, with your own family.