The Independent Toddler
Written by: Ms. Carmen, Director of Children’s Creative Center
Early childhood is critical for developing a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. Within the classroom, toddlers make the journey to self-discovery while gradually learning to navigate their surroundings with newfound freedom. As educators and caregivers, it is essential to understand the significance of promoting a place in our classrooms and homes that gives independence to toddlers.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:
Encouraging toddlers to become self-sufficient in the classroom nurtures a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. When children are entrusted with age-appropriate responsibilities, such as tidying up, selecting activities, or completing simple tasks independently, they develop a sense of pride in their abilities. This sense of achievement enhances their self-esteem and fosters a positive attitude towards learning, setting the belief that they are capable.
A tip to help children remember that they are independent and capable is to practice self-confidence daily. Teachers practice a positive mindset with the children every day before the day begins. The day starts with a positive affirmation that sets the tone for every child for the rest of their day to be confident in their abilities to take a new role or try a new task. Teachers will use these affirmations to boost children’s confidence when trying to complete a task or when encountering a new endeavor, hoping that the next time they face a challenge, they will want to persevere. “I am strong, I am smart, I keep trying.”
Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:
In an environment that supports independent exploration, toddlers can make choices and decisions, thereby practicing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Whether it's choosing an activity, solving a puzzle, or deciding what shirt to wear, these experiences stimulate cognitive growth in your toddler and encourage children to think creatively. Through every trial and error children encounter, they learn to assess situations, make decisions, and solve problems.
Options are key when establishing a positive environment for independent growth with your toddler. At this age, children are confident that they know what they want and when they want it, and they will not be afraid to express it with a ferocious scream and big, watery eyes. This process empowers them to assert their preferences and build confidence in their ability to make choices. Providing opportunities for decision-making encourages toddlers to feel respected and valued, fostering a positive relationship with teachers and parents and laying the groundwork for future independence.
Encouraging Responsibility and Accountability:
By assigning age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities, educators and parents promote a sense of accountability in toddlers, fostering a deeper understanding of the positive consequences of their actions. Whether taking care of their belongings, cleaning up after themselves, or participating in classroom activities, these responsibilities help foster a sense of accountability and respect for their classroom and home. Understanding the impact of their actions empowers toddlers to become responsible members of their classroom community, giving them a sense of belonging.
When a teacher encourages a child to be independent, it sets a tone for the whole class to want to be self-sufficient. When one child declares that they want to try something for themselves, like putting their coat away, it shows other children that they can also make responsible decisions.
Cultivating a Lifelong Love for Learning:
When toddlers are empowered to take charge of their learning journey, they develop a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for exploration. Embracing independence in the classroom nurtures a passion for learning and discovery and a lifelong love for education. By providing opportunities for self-directed learning and exploration, educators pave the way for toddlers to actively participate in their educational experiences actively, fostering a deep-seated motivation to explore, learn, and grow.
The beginning of establishing independence in the classroom or home environment is a crucial component of a toddler's overall development. Educators and parents lay the groundwork for toddlers to become resilient, self-assured, and capable individuals by nurturing confidence, critical thinking, responsibility, and a passion for learning. It equips them with essential life skills as a foundation for personal and social development. Let’s help toddlers empower themselves, one choice and discovery at a time.
I've attached the title of my favorite toddler book that helped me become a better teacher for fostering independence in the classroom. This book is geared towards helping parents learn how to set up their home for practical life skills with their toddler. Click on the author’s name for the Amazon link.
Title: The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being (The Parents' Guide to Montessori, 1). Author: Simone Davies, Hiyoko Imai (Illustrator).
