Montessori is a child-led teaching method that puts children into a prepared learning environment where children can freely choose the activities they want to do to. How is Montessori different from other methods of teaching?

Self-correcting– a toddler should know how to play with the toy “correctly” without the intervention of an adultAt the beginning of the school year, teachers commonly deliver “great lessons” which introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of learning that exposes students to new areas of exploration. Toddlers are often eager and excited about helping in activities and chores that most adults consider to be mundane. The Montessori method encourages participation in these activities as a core component of daily life. Here are a few Montessori practical life activities for toddlers. North American Montessori Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.montessoritraining.net/ Further Reading Food preparation: smoothies, vegetable cutting, rinsing fruits, spreading jelly on bread, peeling a banana, etc.

This approach promotes creativity as children engage in open-ended activities and self-expression. Additionally, Montessori classrooms encourage children to think critically by presenting them with real-world problems and allowing them to find their own solutions, promoting analytical thinking and decision-making skills. References The Montessori method of teaching is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood.

Inspired by one of Maria Montessori’s main principles that children have an innate passion for learning, the school’s motto is “igniting the love of learning.” One thing that is helping now more than ever is having a regular rhythm in your day. And at last I have permission from the publisher to share with everyone the beautiful routine cards made by Hiyoko Imai for my book ​The Montessori Toddler. How to use the cards A Montessori classroom for infants, sometimes referred to as “The Nido” (Italian for "nest"), accommodates non-mobile or crawling infants in a peaceful classroom environment. Here, the infant safely explores, feeling secure in the presence of loving adult caregivers. The environment includes developmentally appropriate furniture and materials. Safety is paramount, but equipment that limits a child’s freedom of movement is avoided. Instead, specially designed furniture supports your child’s budding independence, including bars for pulling up, mirrors to reflect body movement, and a sleeping area with individual floor beds/mats, and child-sized tables and chairs rather than high chairs. The school’s motto is “Fluorescence, Flame, Fortitude” to signify the blossoming of an individual, the intensity of thought, and the patience and strength of mind that is required of any student (“Kamala Niketan School,” n.d.).

This book takes a look at the big picture of parenting – how to instil values into your children, how to live as a family, and how to make your children resilient. I found this to be a really valuable book that puts it all into perspective. Simplicity– the Montessori method puts an emphasis on simplicity and aesthetics (you won’t find batteries in Montessori toys for toddlers) Montessori toddlers are exposed to everyday life activities, chores and tasks both at home and on the go. These toddlers are given the opportunity to participate in the daily tasks of the household, and enjoy using their play time to further advance these skills. What is the best age to start Montessori? The Kamala Niketan School in Tiruchirappalli, India, was founded by Geetanjali Satyamoorthy in 1991 and began as a play school for 30 children. Today, it serves roughly 4,020 students over a 6.5-acre plot of land and has more than 60 classrooms and labs.

Observing how the children have settled into the space has been fascinating. Most children seem to recognise the activities and get straight to work. Others have found a cosy spot to sit and observe with their adult until they get started.

Learning tower is one of the most popular pieces of furniture in Montessori households. It allows children to reach the countertop and help with baking or cooking in a safe way. Toddlers simply love it.Maria Montessori focused a great deal of intrinsic motivation in her observations and careful development of her methods. A Montessori environment provides children with opportunities to work towards goals and activities using their own intrinsic motivation, as opposed to external rewards. Gentle Parenting Montessori Infant & Toddler programs offer a curriculum that emerges from each child’s unique skills and interests. Based on daily observations, teachers introduce new materials and activities that pique curiosity and stimulate learning. Learning objectives for your child at this age include developing skills such as language, concentration, problem solving, visual discrimination, and physical coordination. The Dixon Montessori Charter School (DMCS) in Dixon, California, strives to inspire its students to achieve their individual greatest potential in a nurturing environment that emphasizes discovery, academic excellence, and positive social contribution.