EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONTESSORI AT HOME WITH YOUR 12 MONTH OLD

Hello Laura!

Honestly practical life and making up their own fun is absolutely great! Even when we set up shelves with Montessori materials the goal isn’t to keep them occupied at all times, rather the goal is to provide materials that fill the needs and activities that they are already drawn to. If he is mastering the materials quickly and moving on then you’d want to try more challenging activities until you find the sweet spot of not too difficult but not too easy. Other things that can occur, is that the material simply isn’t something they are currently drawn to. Many children will continue to use a material even after mastered. A phase of high gross motor needs is also common at this age in which any stationary materials will be ignored.

As far as the items themselves, you don’t need specific Montessori materials. They are great if that fits in your budget, but you can easily convert items you already have, DIY materials, or thrift used items.

xx
TTL Team Member

Honestly the easiest way I found to do this was to embrace the mouthing and combine transferring and practical life. For instance, if I’m giving them a snack of cheerios, instead of just giving them a pre-filled bowl, I would set up a work to let them transfer them to their own bowl. Then step back and let them explore. The same if I’m making dinner. It’s really easy to shred a little bit of carrot that I’m already chopping and set up a quick activity for them.

Sleep is such a hard subject, because we all come at it from different views and it can vary so much per each child. I would try to take yourself out of the situation but only gradually as she is ready. For instance, in the beginning I would still lay next to her until she is asleep, and then leave (or transfer). When she wakes up again I would again lay with her until she falls back asleep and leave again. Basically to build the new association that if you need me I will come, and you are safe. However, if this is too many wakes ups for your body to handle each night, I’d give myself the grace to try it a few times each night and then prioritize my own sleep and not leave her side again. Hopefully with that reassurance she will start to sleep in longer stretches without you. Once that happens, I’d try to phase out her playing with my hair. Maybe she can for a little bit to wind down, but only until she’s really drowsy and then she falls asleep on her own without it. Then I’d try to transition myself further and further out of the equation as possible. Maybe just sitting next to the bed, maybe in the same room but in a designated chair, etc.. Hope this helps!

xx
TTL Team Member

That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing! Your comment was such a great way to start my week 🙂

Kate,
Independent play is a long journey, and it will take time to develop. The first thing I would consider is their play space. You want it to be calming with only a few toys displayed. Young children can become overwhelmed quickly, and fewer items will let them engage deeper and build focus. The next thing I would do is make myself boring. If they want me to be next to them I will happily oblige, but I won’t really interact and will simply observe instead. Overtime, I’d shift myself a little further away, still in the same room but doing my own activity, and slowly build up time. At this age you wouldn’t really expect more than a few minutes of independent play.
xx
TTL Team Member

Alyse,

In the moments when they’re distracted by each other could you bring them in and turn that into an observation moment? They learn so much by watching and mimicking at this stage, even from each other! “Oh you see what they’re doing? Lets quietly watch them work.”

For the crib to floor bed transition, I’d try to start out slowly. For instance, maybe just at nap times to begin with, or perhaps some quiet time reading on their new beds and then sleeping in their cribs until both spots are associated with calm comfort.

TTL Team Member

Can you work with your child on the weekend? Depending on age but even just 1 hour a day of Montessori activities is perfect. The rest is just following the Montessori principles such as freedom of choice, respecting your child, and freedom of movement. Holly xx

Kristen,

Here is a resource that I think you will find helpful! This will tell you more about the ages of the sensitive period and if your little one is showing signs of being ready for toilet learning. https://thistoddlerlife.com/toilet-learning/

Holly xx

Hi Monique,
I would try to aim for an hour a day of set Montessori work where you observe him while he works with materials. Then throughout the rest of the day, you can also observe his interests in other ways such as interests in practical life like getting dressed or toileting. With those observations, you can decide what materials to put out on his shelves. You don’t have to be working one on one with him all day long. 😉
Holly xx

I would set it up close to the bathroom or in the bathroom if you can. You don’t have to set up a whole different area if your child is tall enough to reach the sink with a step stool that would work. There is also the option of hanging something on the wall such as a mirror and a couple of hooks for brushes, towels, etc. When space is limited it can be hard to find solutions but they are out there! Let me know what you decide!

Have you started with an object permanence box? I would start there and work your way up to the coin box. If he is throwing the materials I would take them out of rotation for a few weeks and then bring them back out and see how he goes with them. Once your child is ready you will know because it will just click for them and they will be able to use the material over and over. If you want to keep something out like the one-piece shape puzzle I would continue modelling how to use it correctly after he is finished playing with it. He may not understand what the material is even used for. Let me know how it goes!

Misty,
Your child has plenty of time to reach the milestones of pointing and speaking more clearly. Generally around the age of 9-12 months children will start to use their index finger to point. Around the same age, 9-12 months is when children start using “Mama” and “Dada” for specific people. Sounds like your boy is right on track! If you want to learn a bit more about Montessori at home I encourage you to join us in our Montessori By Age 0-12 months Workshop this week: http://thistoddlerlife.teachable.com/p/montessori-workshop012/

Hi Evelyn,
Throwing is very common at this age. I would encourage you to set up an activity that allows your child to throw appropriate materials such as a plush basketball and hoop for indoors. As for throwing food and drinks, I would I see it as a sign that he is no longer hungry or thirsty and I would take the plate or cup from him if he throws them leaving him with nothing to eat or drink until the next meal. Your child will quickly learn that if he throws his food he will no longer be able to eat it. Hopefully this helps!

It sounds like you have a lovely set up for your toddler. Remember that your child is still learning the skill of concentration and a young toddler can not often sit for long periods of time. She may be interested in some maximum effort work such as transferring a jug of water to water some outdoor plants? This will allow her to move but also work on those concentration skills as well.

Barbara,
I’m so happy to hear that these articles are of help to you and those you are teaching. Montessori is such a beautiful way of life. 🙂
Holly xx