Montessori is an educational philosophy that encourages babies to learn through self-directed activity and exploration. The method focuses on independence and self-sufficiency. Montessori activities encourage toddlers to be hands-on and active while exploring the world.
Here are some tips & guidelines to help you get started on the right foot with your toddler’s Montessori experience.
Setting up Montessori Style Space
- Find furniture the baby can learn to use on their own, such as a bed with a low base to climb into & out. When the baby starts sitting properly, you can have an incredibly low table and chair to eat on or play with and even pull themselves up on. The baby’s legs should be able to extend out and touch the ground with their feet resting flat on the floor.
- Display artwork, pictures of your family, and plant life for your baby to delight in. (Make sure that the flowers aren’t dangerous for infants who would like to place the plants in mouths, or place them in a position where they can be seen by the baby but not touch them.)
- A child-sized stool, chair, table or even a toilet aids them in gaining confidence and independence. In the best way, you can ensure that the furniture is the same size as your child and easily accessible to them on their own.
- A small number of activities can help develop the baby’s focus. Show only the activities the infant is trying at so that they aren’t overwhelmed.
- A place for everything, and everything is in its proper place. When there is a home to put everything in and has its proper place, the child is taught where things belong (and in the future, as toddlers, they learn where to place things away).
- Reach closer to the baby’s height in each room to observe the space from their point of view. Clean up any clutter and wires.
Fun Montessori Activities for Toddlers
The folding process: Have your children fold napkins, washcloths, and socks. Begin with small, easy objects.
- The Cleaning: Allow your kids to take care of their personal belongings, such as action figures, toys, or cars.
- Growing a garden: It encourages love and respect for the natural world and can be a fun activity for babies of 2 years. Let your child help plant the seeds, water, and weeds, and then pick the vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
- Table arrangements: Provide your child with safe, toddler-friendly utensils and demonstrate how to arrange the table.
- Water plants: Teach your kid how to determine whether the plant needs water and how to use the watering container or spray bottle to take care of the plants.
- Rhyme with each other: Have a go with your child inventing an idea for a word and asking the other to think of the word that rhymes.
Wrapping up
Montessori is a teaching method that emphasizes hands-on learning. It’s perfect for toddlers because they are always curious and exploring. It’s also great for preschoolers and elementary-aged children who are always looking for new ways to learn.
The tips below will help you setup Montessori activities at home easily.