Introduction

You tuck a corner of her "na-na" gently under her and brush the thin wisps of curls from her ruddy little cheeks. And then you straighten and with a deep breath, look around the room. A disaster area. Blocks are scattered across the floor. Stuffed monkeys, elephants, cats... well, the whole zoo, really... are thrown from one end of the room to the other. "Indestructible" board books lay face down with broken spines around the low bookcase. Another deep breath. When did this happen? When did MY baby become this TORNADO? 

It happens. It happens to all babies at some point. They learn to walk. And talk. But most of all, they learn that they are their very own "selves". She is no longer content to sit in the stroller and be pushed to the park, she has to walk between you and the stroller so she can push it herself. He doesn't sit quietly in his high chair as you lovingly spoon-feed him mashed carrots, no, he needs to have that spoon in his hand (nevermind that he won't get even a quarter of it's contents to his mouth) and feed himself.  So, what happened, you ask? Your baby became a...

TODDLER!!!

With this revelation you will turn to news articles, books and scientific studies which will tell you that this period in your child's life is crucial to learning everything that he or she will need to know for their life. You will see ads for toy after toy advertising "the best results" in teaching your baby how to read, write and even basic math. So now it's up to you to filter through all this information. What new toy will provide the best pre-reading skills? Pre-math skills? Which books will stimulate both sides of his or her growing brain? Should you introduce a new second language?

The truth is that there is no 1 answer. Each caregiver knows their child better than the commercial world and, yes, better than the scientists who perform all the newest studies. Some things will work for one child that just won't do for another. It's up to you to experiment and find what works best for your little one in this period of amazing growth. 

Now that said, there are methods that are used all around the world with incredible success. Perhaps one of the most well-known is the Montessori Method founded by Maria Montessori, the first Italian woman to receive a medical degree. Through working with and studying children, she developed a method of learning that focuses on child guided learning. There are thousands of Montessori schools worldwide working with all ages of children. The Montessori Method is most effective when implemented in a group setting but you can use many of the ideas and practices in your own home with your child.

We will discuss the basics of Montessori learning, especially how it pertains to toddlers. We will outline how to set up your child's play space and your home to provide stimulation for your child's growth. We will also talk about the different kinds of activities and materials you can provide for your child.