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How Toddlers Become Contributing Members of their Community

How Toddlers Become Contributing Members of their Community

Dr. Montessori believed that the life-giving purpose of work is to develop oneself as a competent, unique person living with other competent, unique people. Our work to support one another connects us with life’s meaning.

One of the cornerstones of the Montessori curriculum is the area of Practical Life. As the name suggests, these lessons are designed to develop skills that aid the child throughout life. The skills go far beyond learning to scoop and clean. Through these activities, children build and increase their ability to focus for longer amounts of time, hone their fine motor skills in preparation for writing, and learn grace and courtesy skills that will become the foundation for all future social interactions.

Dr. Montessori divided her Practical Life exercises for children into two stages of development. The first stage, the personal, is one in which the child has an inner urge to control their movements. At this time, the child has a strong will to do things for themselves, to take care of their own person. The second stage is the social, in which a child can act consciously to help maintain the environment, work together with others, and assist others in their community. These activities turn one’s attention outward to address the needs of the group and learn how each person plays a role in the community. At home and at school, you can provide opportunities for children to:

  • Take responsibility for cleaning up after themselves
  • Keep communal areas tidy, clean, and in good repair
  • Care for plants and animals in the environment who rely on us for food, water, and clean habitats
  • Make areas beautiful with the planting and maintenance of gardens
  • Prepare food for snacks and meals
  • Set the table for a Beautiful Meal
  • Arrange flowers and create artwork

These lessons give the children investment in their environment, making it truly their own. They form the basis for how a child will connect to their surroundings not just in a classroom, but in life. They impart and hone the skills necessary to become a contributing member of one’s community.

Developing Rich Language with our Toddlers

Developing Rich Language with our Toddlers

Developing Oral Language - Greenspring Montessori School

Rich oral language is a building block for strong literacy

Learning to be – this is every toddler’s goal. It is both simple and richly complex. Between the ages of 2 and 3, the child is newly aware of possessing their own identity separate from their family, and they are ready to truly be that person, with full independence.

A critical element of this self-realization is the ability to communicate. The toddler is beginning to understand conversational language and they are working to express their own thoughts, experiences, and feelings. They are yearning to label every object in their environment and know every detail of the work they find in the classroom. They are reaching for the words to seek help effectively in moments of struggle. In the Montessori method, we approach the toddler’s sensitive period for learning oral language strategically to help ignite their understanding of language and the world.

 

Developing Skills in the Toddler Classrooms:

  • Attention
  • Auditory memory
  • Indirect preparation for written language
  • Self-confidence with increased vocabulary
Developing Oral Language - Greenspring Montessori School

Early conversation is essential for child development

One of the most crucial elements of a toddler’s journey in language is conversation. In Montessori, we believe that the most powerful way to learn a skill is through practice, and conversations provide the ultimate “learning by doing” experience. The conversations that toddlers have with adults in the classroom provide them with richness – the knowledge that they are respected and seen, they feel valued for their opinions and feelings, and an opportunity to practice articulation with someone who can echo words back to them with exact pronunciation. These conversations provide them with a model of conversational etiquette and flow. It is through conversation that the young child learns the confidence to express their heart. Through this process, toddlers learn the functions of conversation—conflict resolution, self-expression, storytelling, clarification, and so on. In the Montessori classroom, we aim to converse with children throughout the morning—upon arrival, between a child’s tasks in the work cycle, and especially at the snack table. Any item in the room, event in our day, or thought from a child becomes a worthy and captivating topic.

Directive vs Expressive Language

Conversations between adults and children are spontaneous and natural in our Toddler classrooms, with the adults focusing on receptive and expressive language. Receptive language refers to what children can understand, such as following directions. Expressive language refers to what they can communicate with words and/or gestures. Adults minimize directive language (e.g., “Put your shoes here. Sit down. Wipe your nose.”) to provide space for meaningful, rich conversation.

Toddler Language Development - Greenspring Montessori School

The gift of music

We also use poems and songs to introduce new language to children. Rhythm and cadence can help children hear words more clearly. Poetry and music can also bring concepts to the child’s mind in a manner that connects them with his heart. We often give toddlers the option to sing or review poetry as a group, and these activities are available in the classroom for individual work or lessons.

With all these language tools in his belt, the toddler is ready to take on the world and build himself into the world citizen that he was meant to be. He will take with him all his accurate knowledge, confident self-expression, and the songs in his heart, and will approach the world with compassion and curiosity.

Developing Oral Language - Greenspring Montessori School

Speak clearly and truthfully to the child

Accurate language is another crucial tool for building a toddler into an effective communicator. Children create themselves from the tools they are given, so it is fundamentally important to communicate with children clearly and accurately. As we model speech, we enunciate as precisely as possible, and echo back correct pronunciation of the child’s mispronounced words in natural conversation. Beyond enunciation, we strive to give the child exact names for the elements of his environment and a detailed understanding of his world. In our Montessori environments, we provide children with exact names for every item in our environment, and for each of its parts. Baskets on the shelfs contain unique pictures and objects, exposing the children to new and interesting things.

Additionally, true stories give toddlers a unique learning opportunity. They provide details about the world the child would not otherwise have, as well as an understanding of the concepts of beginning, middle, and end. These stories help children understand how life happens in the real world – an understanding that they desperately crave. We also gift children with the opportunity to tell their own stories. Nothing is more beautiful than hearing the story about his baby sister that he is bouncing in to tell us. Storytelling is a daily part of our community life, and anything can serve as inspiration, from our family and friends to our breakfast.

Toddlers have a need to understand the world, and part of that is learning to differentiate between facts and opinions. In our classroom, we introduce both concepts on a daily basis. We let the child know that the details provided in lessons are facts, and ask them what they think of pictures in books. We help them understand the difference between those true details learned in lessons and the opinions that are expressed.

Developing Oral Language - Greenspring Montessori School

Learn more about our Toddler Program

Our Toddler Montessori Program serves children ages 18 months to 3 years at Greenspring Montessori School. Click here to learn more.

Celebrating the International Day of Peace with our Dual Language Community

Celebrating the International Day of Peace with our Dual Language Community

On September 21, 2023 children and staff at Greenspring Montessori School celebrated the International Day of Peace. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

“Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child.”

– Dr. Maria Montessori

Together we celebrate the International Day of Peace, or el Día Internacional de la Paz as we refer to it in our Spanish Dual Language classes. Children joined together to celebrate this special day with music and wishes for peace. They sang songs including “Paz Como Río/Peace Like a River” and “Paz y Libertad/Peace and Liberty”. Our Toddler, Children’s House, and Lower Elementary classrooms made peace doves and pinwheels that they displayed on a parade around campus. Lower Elementary students also reflected about the meaning of peace. Enjoy photos of this special day below.

As Dr. Montessori so eloquently wrote, “…an education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking.” Needless to say, this undertaking requires an unwavering commitment to children and their development into their full potential and self-understanding. Thank you to each and every one of you for your deep dedication to our children, our families, each other, and our school community – and to the creation of a better world. YOU are making the world a better place!

Preparing a Beautiful Meal in the Montessori Classroom

Preparing a Beautiful Meal in the Montessori Classroom

Preparing a Beautiful Meal is a daily Montessori practice in which children take ownership of creating a beautiful space for eating together. Beginning with our youngest children in the Toddler classrooms, these practices are instilled daily. The children are responsible for the setup each day, including laying a tablecloth or placemats, folding cloth napkins, and carefully carrying glasses, utensils, and glass or ceramic dishes. You will often see flowers on the tables that the children have arranged and placed to make the table more beautiful.

Children also participate in the clean-up process, including clearing the table, washing dishes, wiping down tables, and sweeping the floor. You see children collaborating and problem-solving during the process of setting up and cleaning up. Even cleaning up a spill or a broken dish is part of the learning! 

Above: Toddlers prepare snack and sit together for a beautiful meal.

During the meal, students have the opportunity to practice the Grace and Courtesy skills they have learned. For example, the children practice table manners, such as starting the meal together once everyone is seated, putting napkins on their laps, using utensils properly, chewing with their mouths closed, and excusing themselves from the table. They also practice conversational skills, such as taking turns speaking and asking each other questions.

 

We intentionally create these spaces for the children to engage with one another. For some, this may be the only meal of the day when they are able to sit down with others and engage in conversation. The children are in a sensitive period for developing these close bonds and sitting at a table together is an opportunity to meet those essential developmental needs.

How can families support in this initiative?

The case for real plates
You may have seen many adorable plastic bento boxes in your back-to-school shopping, however, we find that these can be challenging for children to open and scoop their food onto their plates. The same is true for squeeze yogurts and foods in plastic packaging. These are excellent for families when you are on the go, but they are often difficult for the children to enjoy in the classroom.

With a Montessori beautiful meal, children empty the contents of their lunch onto a plate and/or bowl for a few reasons. First, it helps to create an atmosphere of a sit-down meal at home. And second, it gives them the opportunity to practice very precise fine motor skills of scooping with a spoon or fork. We are finding that more convenient items, such as squeeze yogurts and perfectly portioned bento boxes delay the child’s precision with some of those table skills.

If you have more questions about how our Beautiful Meal will work in your child’s classroom, please reach out to your child’s Guide. We are so excited to be able to move back to this beautiful and important structure!

Grand Opening of our new Montessori Nature Center

Grand Opening of our new Montessori Nature Center

We are excited to announce the grand opening of our Greenspring Nature Center! Come take a peek and meet some of our critters during our Spring Showcase on Friday, June 2nd from 3:00-5:00pm.

We created the Nature Center as an extension of our outdoor learning environments. The Nature Center will allow students to develop a broad understanding of nature, encourage a sense of respect and stewardship for the natural world, and care for all the inhabitants of the center. This nature-based space will offer a dynamic learning space for our students to meaningfully engage with life and the natural world.

“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.”

– Dr. Maria Montessori

Meet a few of our residents in the Nature Center

Daisy

Daisy is a lionhead rabbit from the Carroll County Humane Society.

Barry & Lola

Barry and Lola are parakeets who came from a private owner who could no longer care for them.

Ivan

Ivan is a Russian Tortoise from a private owner who could no longer care for him.

Some of our other animals include Khalessi, a bearded dragon, and Oreo, a Guinea pig, as well as oscar fish, guppies, and beta fish. 

Stop by and visit the Nature Center soon!

Setting Up a Montessori Playroom in your Home

Setting Up a Montessori Playroom in your Home

For children birth – age 10

Whether you have a one year old or an eight year old, you might be familiar with an explosion of toys in your home. If you are dreaming of ways to streamline your living spaces, keep your children engaged, and encourage a sense of order, take a look at these recommendations for setting up a Montessori-inspired play space. 

Setting up a Montessori-inspired playroom does not require a great deal of time or expense. The goal is simply to create a space that encourages independence and concentration in your child. As your child grows, the space will need to evolve to fit their needs, but the guiding principles remain the same. Here are some key components to keep in mind:

Provide varied workspaces

The furniture in Montessori spaces is child-sized and the materials are kept on low shelves so that the child can access them independently. If you have the space at home, it’s ideal to include a child-size table and chairs, an open space allowing for movement and large floor work, and a safe cozy spot for resting or recovering from an upsetting moment. Providing your child with a space that they can navigate independently allows for them to feel empowered without the intervention of adults.

Limit choices (and rotate toys)

To help your child be successful in the space, consider reducing the number of toys available. If your child is having trouble cleaning up their toys, it could be a good sign that they are overwhelmed by the number of toys that are available. You may use a small shelving unit with two or three shelves and just a few items on each shelf. Putting out just a few toys at once, and rotating them regularly, allows your child to focus on what’s available. Also, rotating toys will rekindle your child’s interest in older toys that they haven’t seen for a while. When a toy has remained on the shelf for a whole week untouched, you know it’s time to put it away and put out something different. 

This is as true for toddlers as it is for elementary-aged children! Older children may be interested in choosing what should go on the shelf and what can be stored for the time being. Older children can also help decide how many toys should be out at once and when it’s time to rotate. 

Choose toys that invite purposeful play

While there is no need to fill your playroom with “academic” work, you can select toys that help your child develop in different ways. 

You might think about including a variety of toys that focus on the following:

  • Developing fine motor (small muscles) skills – such as Playdough, stacking toys, or a screwdriver set
  • Developing gross motor (big muscles) skills – such as a balance board or Pikler triangle
  • Art and music – xylophone or bells, paper and crayons
  • Books – take a look at our Bookshop page for recommendations by age!
  • Open-ended toys for creative play – blocks, legos, or magnetiles

It’s also important to include toys that offer a varying degree of difficulty. You want a mix of challenging toys and things that are easy and familiar for your child to play with when they need a mental break. Studies suggest that battery operated toys that light up and make noises are designed to entertain and do not foster a child’s development of concentration. Open-ended toys that engage rather than entertain will encourage creativity and concentration in your child. 

Include nature

If possible, choose a room with natural light. House plants offer children a chance to take care of something, as well as add natural beauty to the room. Young children also love watching fish or other pets and they can learn to help feed and care for them as well. You might also consider setting up an outdoor play area where your child can dig in the dirt, water plants, enjoy sand and water play, and do messy art projects.

Every item has its place

Children have a sensitive period for order from birth through age five, peaking in early toddlerhood. You can see this through young children’s love for routine and repetition. Montessori environments support this desire for order by designating a specific spot for each material. In a play area, instead of a big toy bin full of many things, each toy has a space where it belongs on a shelf. Toys with multiple pieces, like blocks or play animals, can be organized in small baskets or trays on the shelf. You can even attach photos to each bin or shelf so that the child knows exactly where each toy belongs.

Provide a simple and beautiful space

Montessori spaces use more neutral colors and have very little hanging on the walls. What is displayed on the walls is carefully chosen and hanging at the child’s eye level. When choosing decor, choose artwork that is simple and thought-provoking for the child. Framed art hung at the child’s level can offer a peaceful feel to the space. Natural materials such as wood or wicker also offer a warmth and sensorial experience for the child. The goal is to reduce the visual stimulation of the environment so that the child will be attracted to the materials and be able to concentrate on their play and development.

Give it a try! 

This might seem like a lot to think about, but you can pick and choose what works for your child and your home. You can experiment over time to see what works best. One of the most important pieces of Montessori philosophy is to take time to step back and observe. What do you notice your child is drawn to? Are there any spaces in the room that they are not able to access on their own? Feel free to “break the rules” and try new things in your space!

Photographs by Jen Snyder