Intentional Momtessori

Why do we have real items in a toddler environment?

•Enriches their vocabulary
•To associate the name with the object
•Provides a sensorial experience: weight, size, shape, temperature, texture, smell.
•Provides a concrete experience with the object.

The first language presentation toddlers have is with real objects, gradually they move to cards and replica objects. Lastly, they are presented only with language cards. We go from 3D objects to 2D cards -concrete to abstract.

I added a few ideas I have seen or done in my environment. My lovely co-guide prepared the party bag and camping set this month and it is in high demand by our students.

If you have more ideas please share them in the comments 🫶🏼

Lately, I feel that 24 hours a day is not enough. There is always something to be done on my ¨to-do¨ list, which can be overwhelming and make me have not-so-proud moments as a mom.

Preparing my kid's lunchboxes the night before was becoming very challenging, instead of being something I usually enjoy and look forward to.

I realized I was so immersed in my to-do lists that I was doing things my children could be doing joyfully during the day.

How could I miss it? I am a Montessori guide and still I needed to return to the Montessori basics with my own kids: fostering independence, stepping back, observing, and, most importantly, believing in their potential.

It has been a week since my son started preparing both lunchboxes. He couldn't be more excited, motivated, and confident. And I feel proud to have been able to foster it, too.

This is a reminder to myself and to anybody who needs it that children are capable and that they want to be part of it. We just need to allow it and give them the tools to do it.

Guess who is wrote this at night instead of preparing lunchboxes? 🤭

Sibling relationships are full of learning experiences, many joyful and many challenging. Sometimes they feel frustrated, and sometimes I feel frustrated. But, small random and spontaneous acts of kindness, like helping put on a shoe, reminds me of how important it is to keep setting an example, even when I feel frustrated. Seeds take time to germinate 🌱

A bit of how practical life looks like in my Nido environment 🪴
 
🔹Zipper and Velcro Dressing Frames:
After I give a presentation on how to use them, infants can work with them on the floor, shelf, or table, depending on their gross motor skills and desire.

🔹Open and closing containers:
Usually, 4-5 containers, all with tops that infants can open and close without help with some practice.

🔹Wiping the table:
It can be done with a sponge or hand mitt. Usually, they will start with the sponge, and as they have more experience, they can put on the hand mitt and use it to wipe spills.
 
All these materials can be found in the Toddler Community as well. In Nido is more likely older infants intentionally use these; in the Toddler community, they will be one of the first materials to be presented to young toddlers.
 
Every Nido community is different, and every group of children is unique. There are seasons when we only have very young ones, and they are working on other important skills like rolling to their back, crawling, or pulling up. Other times, we have multiple young toddlers, and this shelf takes the spotlight for the day.

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It is very interesting looking at other adults’ faces when I let my kids climb up the slide. Usually, I observe my children close to them but not right next to them. Allowing freedom in their movements, decisions, and exploration enriches their experience and motor development. So, when the time comes that they can’t resist climbing up the slide, I do not interfere with them. Unless a child is sliding down or if it is dangerous (when both of my kids try to do it simultaneously on the same slide).
 
I am aware other adults might think the opposite because I have observed and heard expressions like ¨we don’t go up the slide, just down the slide¨ on multiple occasions. So here are a few reasons to let children climb them up:
 
✔️ Works out many muscles in their feet, legs, and back that are not as active when climbing stairs.
✔️ Allows them to experiment with their body limits (young children’s bodies change every day, and they need lots of opportunities to integrate their new dimensions: proprioception)
✔️ Allows them to practice their balance and spatial awareness
✔️ Provides an opportunity to analyze a situation and make decisions (Is it a good idea to climb it up now, or should I wait until that child slides down?)
✔️ Fosters the opportunity to use the slide in many ways. After all, slides do not have instructions!
 
I always like to keep in mind to allow children to explore at their own rhythm and motor abilities. This means we don’t put children in places or positions they cannot get by themselves. So, if your child is not interested in the slide yet, follow her interest and patiently wait for this up-the-slide temptation that I have observed all children go through! 💫

Young children are still developing their language skills, not only expressive but comprehensive as well. They often want to say something, and we expect it faster than they can; that can be frustrating not only for the adult but also for the child.

I invite you to pause and observe your communication patterns with your child or children under your care. Pause for a minimum of five seconds when children express themselves, giving that extra time.

There will be fewer frustrations, and dysregulation and more connection through communication.

We all have something to say and like to be heard 🫶🏼.

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https://intentionalmomtessori.com/blog/f/ten-reasons-to-visit-the-library-with-your-toddler

Ten Reasons To Visit The Library With Your Toddler By Fernanda Arredondo

Have you ever visited the library with your toddler? If you haven't, I invite you to read the full article that might motivate you to plan it soon!

Click the link in bio for article on the blog 🤗📖

When allowed, children can recognize what they need. It is our opportunity to step back, listen to what they need and respect it. They will know when they are ready.

The picture on the post: my son was experimenting with his balance bike after observing other children using the ramps for almost 40 mins. We did not rush him or force him to use his bike. We patiently waited, and we were ready when he was ready. His opinion matters, his voice is heard and nobody knows his limits better than him 🚲.

https://intentionalmomtessori.com/blog/f/toddlers-biting-why-it-happens-and-how-to-respond

Toddlers Biting: Why It Happens and How to Respond by Fernanda Arredondo

Biting is a typical behavior often seen in toddlers. It can be an unexpected and challenging situation for adults. However, there are ways to support toddlers in navigating strong emotions during these moments.

Link in bio for the full article on my website.

https://intentionalmomtessori.com/blog/f/toddlers-biting-why-it-happens-and-how-to-respond

For the next couple of weeks, we all have the opportunity to be gracious and courteous of how other families celebrate the holidays. While some celebrate Thanksgiving and see it as an opportunity to greet and meet with family, others do not feel festive about it and that is okay.

We all have our reasons to celebrate or not a holiday.

It is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the whys and decide if we want to keep traditions or rituals that might be very popular where we live or where we are from. It is a great opportunity to get curious and learn where everything started, question our view of the situation, and make informed decisions about what resonates with our family values, culture, and how we want to raise our children.

So, do you know the history behind the holiday you plan to celebrate?