Encouraging discovery as soon as the baby learns to walk will correspond with his or her explosion of language – the peak of language sensitivity, which usually lasts between 18 and 24 months. At this age, the child starts naming things and pointing to other things that catch their attention.
Since a child’s potential to learn new words at this age is so great, Montessori advises against using baby language. Educators with Montessori Teacher Training Courses in Indiamust be aware of what they speak in front of toddlers as they are highly receptive at this stage.
A Toddler’s Explosion Into Language
To ensure that the toddler’s language abilities are stretched and that the child feels supported in his or her attempts to convey thoughts, feelings, and discoveries, the sensitive adult will mirror, extend, and reply when the toddler starts to express increasingly complex concepts through short phrases and first sentences.
When an adult plays with children this age, they provide genuine chances for the adult to evaluate the children’s language proficiency and pinpoint potential areas for improvement.
The best preparation for the next stage of the sensitive period for language is spoken language, which is reinforced by songs, rhymes, book sharing, role-playing opportunities, and opportunities for decoding printed words.
At this stage, the child is gradually introduced to printed language and learns how to decode it and express his or her ideas through writing. This latter stage of the sensitive time for language becomes extremely difficult for both the kid and the educator if spoken language is not on a firm basis.
Ways To Communicate Respectfully With Toddlers
Here are a few strategies to respectfully converse and communicate with toddlers in your classroom:
Create A Language Environment
The Montessori school of thought places a strong emphasis on creating a language-rich environment for young children. Make eye contact, talk intelligibly, and utilize basic language while addressing babies and toddlers to get their attention. Tell the baby about your thoughts and deeds as you go about your everyday activities. Talk to them in detail about the things, places, and activities they encounter every day. Naming things, behaviors, and feelings aids in the development of their language and worldview.
Make good use of gestures, eye contact, and facial emotions while expressing yourself through body language. These nonverbal cues communicate warmth, focus, and emotional kinship. Furthermore, one should never undervalue the power of touch. During talks, soft touches, caresses, and embraces provide affection, security, and a sense of trust, fostering a deeper connection between the educator and the infant.
Respectful Communication
A fundamental component of the Montessori method is courteous communication. It is important to respect infants and toddlers as unique individuals with their ideas, interests, and boundaries. Parents and educators may develop trustworthy connections that promote good communication by appreciating their autonomy and fostering a respectful environment.
Keep your voice down and be kind while speaking to small children. Be mindful of their personal space and keep a respectful distance to ensure their safety. Refrain from using baby speak or talking down to them; instead, treat them like capable adults who can comprehend and participate in discussions.
Language And The Power Of Observation
One of the most important aspects of the Montessori technique is observation. Parents and educators can obtain important insights about the interests, needs, and developmental progress of newborns and toddlers by attentively monitoring them. With this understanding, adults may successfully modify their communication tactics to fit the specific needs of every kid.
Spend time observing the clues, facial expressions, and body language of youngsters. This makes it possible for you to reply in a way that shows that you comprehend and value their nonverbal cues. Recognizing these cues can help you foster an atmosphere where kids feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Respect Boundaries
It is crucial to get consent before touching or transferring a child in a Montessori classroom. Honoring children’s limits helps them grow up to be autonomous, trusting, and self-aware. You respect their autonomy and give them a sense of agency by asking for their consent.
Encourage kids to create limits and voice their preferences as well. If a youngster expresses discomfort or opposition verbally or via body language, pay attention to their signals and look for other methods to help them. In addition to fostering a feeling of self-worth, respecting boundaries aids in children’s development of assertiveness and self-advocacy abilities.
Teacher Student Connections
The bond between the instructor and the student is among the most unique aspects of Montessori education. While Montessori pupils are free to pursue their academic goals, a teacher offers the resources for learning as well as the route to knowledge and exploration.
Instructors serve as mentors to their pupils. In groups, they work with the kids. As a result of getting to know the students’ preferences, teachers are better able to support them as they navigate the learning process.
Create An Inclusive Environment
A Montessori school that is inclusive offers a rich atmosphere that motivates kids to realize their full potential. The planned Montessori environment typically consists of six elements: Nature, Freedom, Structure, Order, Beauty, and Intellectual and Social Environments.
A strong academic foundation for a lifetime of learning is built by the Montessori philosophy, which also promotes a strong feeling of community and respect for oneself and the environment.
Give Respect To Gain Respect
Every encounter with a baby or toddler offers the chance to foster meaningful relationships, social and emotional development, and language development. By treating them with dignity and respecting their personal space, we enable young children to grow up to be confident, talkative, self-sufficient people who can handle any situation. Enroll in Montessori Teacher Training Courses in India to find out more about mentoring the youngest Montessori students.
