A toddler prepared environment provides children with a nurturing introduction to school. A Montessori teacher creatively prepares the environment that commonly rich in stimulating activities.
Dr. Maria Montessori used the phrase, “Help me to do it by myself”. Very young children working toward independence in eating, dressing and toileting, are really working toward what they want to do. We take each child as an individual, allowing them to go at his or her own pace, to achieve their independence.
Here are my list of toddler developmental goals that I practice at home. I love every moment each time I see and witness a progress in a child. It’s like you got a very valuable reward!
Communication Development
Supporting your child’s verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills for connecting with family, friends, and beyond.
*Learning vocabulary by naming familiar and new items.
*Developing conversation skills by interacting with teachers and using books, pictures, and interesting objects.
*Songs, games, and circle activities
*Following one-step directions
*Listening and responding to others
Growing Brain Power
Providing an enriched environment and the personal relationships to make the most of your child’s amazing brainpower.
*Exploring cause and effect by filling and emptying containers, digging in sand, and playing games like peek-a-boo.
*Matching colors and shapes.
*Confirming object permanence by playing games such as “Guess where it went?”
*Exploring the senses through different textures, tastes, smells, and sounds.
Building Relationships
Helping your child develop trust, self-confidence, and problem solving skills for positive relationships with friends, parents, and teachers.
*Participating during circle time, songs, and games.
*Bonding with teachers in a safe, loving environment.
*Learning to work in a setting with other children.
*Growing listening skills through conversations, games, and stories.
*Identifying and expressing emotions positively.
Helping Healthy Bodies Flourish
Nurturing your child’s physical well-being through active play and body awareness.
*Identifying body parts through games, songs, and active play
*Practicing daily-living skills through dressing, having snack, and cleaning up with the teacher’s assistance.
*Exploring and developing body skills while climbing, running, crawling, and jumping
Creativity and Individual Expression
Promoting an atmosphere that inspires your child’s unique character through art, movement, music, and dramatic play.
*Singing and playing rhythm instruments.
*Exploring a wide variety of art materials.
*Games, poems, and activities for moving and grooving.
A toddler is constantly learning how to do new things. By our loving support, and as often as possible provide a freedom for them to strive for independence. And don’t worry if he occasionally “unlearns” a skill—a little regression is just part of the process in the toddler years.
“The child’s development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behaviour towards him. We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself. This is the art of serving the spirit, an art which can be practised to perfection only when working among children.” (The Absorbent Mind, p. 257)
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