Trillium

Every day, life-changing work occurs in a YCC classroom. Not the work that sits on the shelf, but the work that happens inside of each child as they self-construct. The children are learning what it means to be a member of a community, how to take care of themselves, and how to adjust when things are challenging.

Toddlers are my favorite people for many reasons, but one quality of The Young Child that I absolutely treasure is their ability to be completely present.

Toddlers are curious, willing, and loving. They are strong-willed, know what they want, and are very driven to achieve it. They test and push the boundaries. They give the best hugs. They are painfully honest, have big feelings, and have many opinions about life. They are my favorite people! 

The Montessori philosophy uses classroom pets to connect students to the natural world and creates interconnections with all living things. The philosophy involves teaching empathy, compassion, practical life skills, observation, and curiosity. There are many ways in which a pet in the classroom fosters these teachings. 

If you look to social media for ideas about Montessori for very young children, you will likely see lots of stuff. There are several materials in our classrooms that would be excellent in a home as well, but I would argue the best way to do Montessori at home is to include your child in as many aspects of daily life as you can.

Power struggles between children and caregivers are a common part of a toddler’s development. Early on they develop a strong sense of order, which helps them make sense of their world. They observe how things are to be done and this becomes their perceived reality. However, this reality does not always align with the adult's reality and often a power struggle ensues.