Building Toddler Independence in Yo …

Independence is the ability to do things by ourselves while thinking for ourselves

For two year-olds, building toddler independence in a Montessori classroom is illustrated by these successfully completed tasks:
• making orange juice by hand
• zipping their own jacket
• slicing their own bananas, and
• telling you the colors of everything in their bedroom.

How do La Jolla Montessori School teachers build that ‘can-do’ motivation?
By letting students do for themselves rather than doing tasks for them.

Children become independent through their own activities. Via inclusion in simple daily activities, children begin to understand routines, their role in the family, and their own strengths and abilities.

You can build toddler independence at home by simply continuing what Montessori classroom teachers do at school:
• creating an accessible environment
• showing your child how to do things
• and most importantly, making time for your child!

Here are some toddler independence tips for parents:

Dressing

Place mirrors, clothing, and accessories at the child’s eye level.

Toilet

Buy a stool for your child’s access to the sink for washing hands and brushing teeth.

Get your child a small toilet chair rather than using a stool to climb up and sit on the family toilet.

Eating

Place your child’s drinking glasses, bowls, plates, and silverware in a low kitchen cabinet for easy access.

Use child-sized breakable dishes rather than plastic. If your child breaks something, don’t scold him. Rather, just talk together about how to hold dishes more carefully.

Allow your child to help prepare food for evening supper or dinner. For example, let him or her peel an orange or a banana. They’ll feel included and they will eat the food they prepare.

Sleeping

A low bed will give your child the freedom to move around—like crawling onto and off the bed.

Also, create a routine to help your child understand when it’s bedtime by following decreasing activity as the evening wears on. For example, engage in play time, bath time, story time, and sleep time—in that order—every time.

Summary

At La Jolla Montessori School, toddler independence is key. Children are under the educated and experienced eyes of Montessori classroom teachers in small settings within large rooms.

By focusing on the 110 year-old philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori, based on creating ‘a whole child,’ toddlers and preschoolers are taught how to become confident and motivated. How? By giving children the time to work independently to create their own choices and timelines to successfully complete projects.

In-person learning is open and registrations are being accepted.
Our English/Spanish bilingual Preschool thru Kindergarten is located at 8745 La Jolla Scenic Drive North. For a virtual or on-site tour, visit: https://lajollamontessorischool.com/book-a-tour/