In Montessori, we talk about toilet learning, not “training.” The focus is on independence,body awareness, and respect for the child’s pace.

Core Montessori Principles

● Readiness over age: We observe signs rather than follow a timeline.

● Preparation of the environment: The child should be able to do everything

independently.

● Freedom within limits: The adult sets up the structure; the child practices within it.

● No rewards or punishment: Internal motivation and mastery are the goal.

Typical Montessori Classroom Setup

● Step-stool for toilet and sink

● Low shelf with:

○ Underwear

○ Pants/shorts with elastic waist

● Stool for climbing and foot support

● Low sink with soap and towel

● Clear, calm routine (often toileting offered at regular intervals)

● Adults model and invite, never force

Signs of Readiness (What Montessorians Look For)

A toddler may be ready when several of these are present:

● Stays dry for 2+ hours

● Shows awareness of wet/dry or bowel movements

● Can walk, sit, and stand independently

● Can pull pants up/down with help

● Shows interest in the bathroom or watches others

One of the first areas children are introduced to in a Montessori classroom is Practical Life.

While it may appear simple on the surface—pouring water, washing tables, or buttoning a frame—this work holds deep developmental significance. Practical Life is the foundation upon which all other learning is built, supporting the child’s independence, concentration, and confidence.

Misconceptions Parents Often Have About Practical Life

A common question we hear is, “Why is my child doing chores at school?” Or, “Shouldn’t they be learning letters and numbers instead?”

The misconception is that Practical Life is busy work or something children already know how to do at home. In reality, these activities are carefully designed lessons that support the child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. In Montessori, children must first learn how to learn—to focus, follow a sequence, and complete a task independently—before academic learning can truly flourish.

What Is Practical Life?

Practical: means basic, useful, purposeful Life: means the way of living

Practical Life Exercises are just that, they are exercises so the child can learn how to do living activities in a purposeful way. Maria Montessori said the first thing to realize is that the aim of these activities is not a practical one. Emphasis should be laid not on the word “practical” but the word “life”.

A helpful guide for parents overwhelmed by toddlerhood.

When I became a mom, I had no idea just how much energy a tiny human could hold. My son, now a spirited, curious, endlessly active 2.5-year-old, has been on the move since the moment he figured out how to crawl. He’s joyful, funny, determined… and like many toddlers, he struggles with focus, transitions, and managing his big feelings.

Around the same time he was born, I also stepped into my work in Montessori administration. The timing couldn’t have been more aligned. The more I learned about Montessori philosophy—its respect for the child, its emphasis on independence, and its deep trust in the natural rhythm of development—the more I saw my own child reflected in it. Montessori helped me understand him, and he helped me appreciate Montessori on a whole new level.

And honestly? It helped me feel less overwhelmed.

Toddlers are beautiful, busy little beings. But parenthood, especially the first time around, can feel like a lot. What transformed our home life more than anything else were Montessori-inspired routines. Not rigid schedules, but gentle rhythms that create just enough structure for both of us to breathe easier.

One of the most common questions families ask is, “How can we use Montessori at home without buying all the materials?” The truth is that you don’t need a fully equipped classroom or expensive wooden trays to bring Montessori principles into your home. Montessori is far more about the environment you create and the trust you place in your child’s growing abilities than it is about specific materials.

A great place to start is by making your home more child-friendly. Children thrive when they can access what they need without relying on adults, so a few simple changes go a long way. Lower a couple of shelves and display just a handful of toys or activities, rotating them every few weeks. Keep everyday items within reach—cups, plates, utensils, and a small step stool in the kitchen and bathroom can make your child feel capable and included. These small adjustments help build responsibility and self-help skills.

Practical Life activities are another powerful way to bring Montessori into daily routines, and they don’t require special supplies. You can offer simple tasks such as:

• Pouring water from a small pitcher

• Transferring dry beans with a spoon

  more

Dear Parent,

As part of our licensing requirements, we are to monitor and educate the children and families in our care about nutrition and healthy foods. Well-balanced meals provide the nourishment children need to grow, think, fight infection, and fuel their bodies. We’d like to provide a brief handout as a reminder regarding our school nutritional guidelines and some ideas for healthy lunches.

Please follow the following Plate Model when packing your child’s lunch for school. It is important to include at least one source of protein and one source of vegetables in each lunch. Please attempt to prepare fresh meals to the best of your ability and refrain from using highly processed/pre-packaged foods.

Please do not pack products with excessive added sugars such as candy, cookies/donuts with sugar coating, juices/sodas or other products with high added sugar content.

RECIPES/IDEAS: (PLEASE REMEMBER TO REPLACE ANY NUT PRODUCTS WITH SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER OR ANOTHER NON-NUT SUBSTITUTE)

Lunches/breakfasts/snacks:

Toddler Lunch Ideas

Infants

Creating a Montessori environment doesn’t have to wait until your children are older. This is a great time to begin this transition. You can slowly adapt as your baby grows. Create an environment that allows them to explore freely as they begin to become mobile.

• Cover electrical outlets and remove objects that can hurt your baby.
• Use baby gates to delineate their play spaces and keep them safe.
• Make their bedroom child-friendly by placing a mattress on the floor and age-appropriate toys within reach. This encourages them to move from sleeping to playing without your assistance once they're able to crawl and eventually walk.
• Once your baby can sit, try using a small table and chairs for mealtimes, snack time and activity time, rather than using a highchair.

Tasks for Two- and Three-Year Olds

Yes, even toddlers and young preschoolers can delight in doing many activities around the house. Letting your children participate in the daily management of the household will help them feel confident and proud.

Some examples are listed below:

• Load spoons into dishwasher, dust furniture, help feed animals.
• Put away silverware, put away toys after play, fold dish towels.
• Dig and pull away weeds, dry small dishes, stir orange juice.
• Load washer, unload dryer, spray and wipe mirrors, sweep(small broom)
• Assist with stirring in cooking, bring in newspaper, wipe table.
• Pour milk (small pitcher), set table, mop small area.
• Tidy magazines, sofa pillows, entertain infant –bring diapers, etc.
• Brush teeth, wash face, dress, and undress