What is a “work rug?”
Montessori classrooms use work rugs, also called mats, to define space. They support a child’s desire for order. Before choosing a floor activity, children retrieve a “work rug” or “mat” and lay it across the floor. Then they may choose their activity and set it up on the rug. Their materials are expected to stay on the rug, which helps keep the materials orderly and makes clean up a little easier – all the pieces are in one place!
Additionally, children have a sense of ownership of the materials they are using. Other children are taught to respect their classmates’ rugs and only touch when invited or after asking.
Introducing Rugs at Home
We first introduced rugs in our home when our first was a little over a year. At that age, I did not expect my daughter to use it on her own. It starts with modeling. When she got a new toy, I’d always show it to her on the rug. Eventually a little sister came along, and our first was also modeling how to use a work rug.
Using a work rug does not come naturally to a toddler. They are far more impulsive than older children and when they choose an activity without first getting a mat to work on. Still, every time I engage a toddler in an activity, I let them know I am getting a rug fist.
As they grow out of the toddler stage, I begin reminding children to get a rug before using a material. “Oh, I see you want to play with this! Let’s get a mat first!” is an easy reminder.
Now that my oldest is school aged, she appreciates using a mat under her activities, whether for homeschool work or for play. She reminds her sister that it is “her space,” and keeps all her materials and toys together. When she is cleaning up, it is easy for both of us because we know she usually only needs to put away whatever is on her rug. Then, she carefully rolls it up. Her favorite part is making sure it can stand on it’s own. It is a sign she has rolled the rug well.
Benefits of a Rug
My kids love that when the have to clean up, they know exactly which toys and materials they are responsible for. But one of their favorite things is “saving” their toys for later.
Since the rugs have become almost sacred, they feel confident leaving a toy or material on a work rug while they run off to do another task, such as have a meal or use the bathroom. Or perhaps it is the end of the day and they’re really not quite done setting up the dolls. The children have faith that their sibling or classmate will leave their materials alone in their absence. When the child returns to work or play, their things will be waiting there for them.
As a parent, I appreciate having a limited number of rugs available. We have a total of 4 rugs for 2 children. Half are for school and half are for play. When one of my children is done with one toy, putting it away is not always top of their priorities. But with a limited number of rugs, it becomes necessary. Rather than reminding them to put their things away, it just happens. There is no room on the rug for a second activity, so away it goes.
My kids and I love having work rugs in our home. It’s one of the first things I recommend to parents struggling with with order (or siblings!) and toys. Have you implemented rugs in your home?
