July 24, 2005 8:26 AM
Montessori at Home #8: Building Movement Skills in Toddlers
Building Movement Skills
For some parents of young toddlers, hours seem measured by tumbles and falls, spilled milk and scattered Cheerios. Yes, there are some naturally cautious new walkers out there who stop to analyze each step before they take it. But then there is the dynamo - once on his feet, the only thing stopping him is his own momentum. If your toddler is closer to this latter end of the spectrum, you share in one of the first parental ironies: after breathless waiting for that first step, you wish your toddler could slow down and take it easy.
Toddlers on the move can be quite clumsy. And we mommies can become pretty frustrated dealing with the consequences of all their spontaneity. As a Montessori teacher and mother of 12, I’ve spent 35 years with tumbles and spills. Here are my tips for finding harmony while keeping your toddler and home from harm:
1) Get the big picture: Your young toddler is working hard reorienting himself to an upright world. He’s collecting and organizing environmental data all the time. When he falls because he’s gotten ahead of himself, he’s gotten the best feedback around. Give him a hug and an encouraging “Slow down.†While some need more feedback than others, eventually most children find balance.
2) Be a good role model: If you’re busy dashing around the house, if your own pace is frantic, chances are your toddler will never discover other options. Try slowing down yourself. When you carry something, use more concentration than you need. If your toddler sees you walking slowly and using two hands to carry a bowl she’ll be inclined to do it that way herself.
3) Observe your child: Especially if your child seems accident prone, spend some time watching his movements to see where a helpful hint might make a difference. Maybe he needs more practice on the stairs, or avoiding table corners as he zooms around.
4) Be patient: Avoid flying off the handle or punishing children for accidents. Keep your words encouraging and positive: “Oh, the milk is spilled....let’s clean it up. Now, let’s put the cup here -- away from the edge of the table -- so it won’t spill. We can be careful.†It may take some self-discipline to establish new habits, but your life will be more relaxed if you decide in advance that some things just aren’t worth getting upset over.
Patience is the key to joyful parenting. No better time to start than now. After all, for us as well as them, practice makes perfect!
Montessori Exercises
The following exercises will give your toddler more body awareness while refining her motor coordination. Little ones find them challenging and fun.
*Walking on a Line*
Place a strip of colored tape on the floor, in a circle if possible. With soft background music, demonstrate walking very slowly, keeping each foot on the line. Use more concentration than you need, so that when your children try it after you, they will concentrate too.
*Carrying a bell*
Have your child sit across the room from you. If you have a few children, sit in a circle. Show them the bell and how the clapper makes it ring. Holding the bell in front with one hand,look around "for the one that's sitting most quietly," then slowly walk toward her, exaggerating the care it takes not to ring the bell. Have her stand and take the bell, then walk with it herself back to you or to a sibling.
Posted in Homeschooling, Montessori, Mothering, Toddlers | Permalink
Comments
I just read this part in the Mommy Manual - a great book. I'm so happy I got some great tips to help me out right now, and some that are not for too far down the road like the one above.
Hope your trip to NY was a great one!
Blessings,
Posted by: Sal | July 24, 2005 9:32 PM
It's a good thing my oldest is the cautious type, because I'm definitely NOT a good example of moving carefully. O:-) Maybe what my mother couldn't teach me, my children will!
Posted by: Queen of Carrots | July 25, 2005 6:33 AM
