Comments on: Montessori Basics 7: Essentials of a Toddler Classroom

By: Lori Bourne

Lori Bourne — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:49:31 +0000

Hi, Ana! I agree with you that the main emphasis of a Montessori toddler classroom should be practical life and care of self. However, I have seen materials like the sandpaper letters and pink tower used in a lovely way in a toddler class, by very experienced and well-trained 0-3 directresses.

One thing I love about Montessori is that there are no “hard lines” in terms of which materials are used with which age group, and many materials are used in more than one age group. But, training centers differ, so there is certainly room for more than one viewpoint.

By: Ana Pickering

Ana Pickering — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:12:04 +0000

It is my understanding that you do not use Montessori materials designed for 3-6 year olds in a Montessori infant environment; but rather focus on practical life, language and movement. More than enough to do than to introduce sandpaper letters, sensorial materials that are intended for the next sub-plane. A Montessori infant community has its own materials and activities – it is not a ‘simplified’ 3-6 environment. If child is ‘ready’ to move into the 3-6 environment then the child moves; rather than bringing materials down.

A great place to get some sound advice on Montessori infants is ww.mtips.org. These teachers run a ‘Ask a Mentor’ session and post transcripts so you can hear some good ideas about what to do with children under three in a Montessori setting; it is around food preparation and care of self.

By: Lori Bourne

Lori Bourne — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:04:42 +0000

Hi, Maureen! Sounds like an exciting switch. I’m only familiar with NAMC and UMA, but you could probably Google around for more options.

By: maureen

maureen — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:57:13 +0000

Hi. Lori I am making the switch to teaching toddler age from 3-6 in a school setting.I will be getting my toddler training on line (I already have my 3-6 training and have been teaching that age level for almost 30 years!). I have always wanted to do toddler and I have the opportunity to set up a brand new toddler classroom this fall. I will have my then 18 month old dgd in my class along with 5 others around her age. If the demand is there, we will either move the classroom to a larger space. Our hope is to eventually move to a full day toddler the following year. Do you have any suggestions for great on line toddler training? I am familiar with NAMC from Canada and my friend’s toddler teacher years ago got hers from Kent WA. Thanks for any suggestions!

By: Lori Bourne

Lori Bourne — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:21:03 +0000

They are for the adult, to use as a reference when teaching. If you visit the Montessori Research & Development website, they offer sample pages of their albums that you can download.

By: este

este — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:09:40 +0000

Are these used by the child? Or by the parent / teacher for the child?
Also, where can I view some pages of an album – to get a better idea?

By: Lori Bourne

Lori Bourne — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:04:20 +0000

Hi, Este! In Montessori-speak, "albums" mean instruction manuals with information on Montessori materials and presentations. You can find toddler albums (and other ages) here.

By: este

este — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:01:17 +0000

Thanks for this great info.
What are toddler albums?

By: Lori Bourne

Lori Bourne — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:47:00 +0000

It's really hard for them to concentrate for long at that age. I think 18 months is about when kids can start really doing some easy stuff on their own. I would keep doing what you're doing, and the concentration span will grow.

For work ideas, check out this other post in my toddler section:

Toddler Language Development is Everywhere

By: domesticallyblissed

domesticallyblissed — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:03:00 +0000

Thanks for a great post Lori – its often hard to find good info on Montessori for littlies! I really struggle to get my 14 month old to concentrate on any one thing without my involvement – any ideas of where I could look for ideas? Love your blog!