When given ample thought, it is quite amazing to realise that no one in the world works harder than babies and toddlers. From the moment they are born and all through their days in nursery and kindergarten, they are constantly working at learning and understanding the world. Using all five of their senses, they learn about through direct observation and interaction. They process everything they see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. From what they observe and notice, they learn.
This November, Mommy Mundo and Huggies Philippines collaborated to bring to the platform a special presentation and discussion on the topic of how babies learn about the world. Guest speaker and Montessori teacher, Ghia Curtis, talked about sensory development and how what babies learn is directly related to their senses and to honing those senses. A period of massive learning from sensory development and honing happens from the ages of zero to six.
The Montessori method allows for toddlers to make the most of this massive learning period through unstructured structure, so to speak. Activities are self-directed, meaning the child gets to choose the material they would like to work with or explore. Through collaborative play and hands-on learning, children can work independently, together with other children, or together with a teacher trained to assist in the method of learning.
Just as important as the decision to choose what to learn is the environment in which they learn. Montessori classrooms are specifically designed for children to learn about their environment. Every aspect of the classroom is made to support a child’s natural development and to teach them more than just numbers and letters, but also the life skills that instill the kind of curiosity that supports lifelong learning.
From infancy to their third year of age, Montessori provides children with a safe environment that encourages them to trust both themselves, the world, and their capabilities. This is done through honing their gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and language skills so that they may express themselves and their wants. From ages three to six years of age, the environment encourages independence, persistence, and self-control. Children are able to hone each of their senses through special materials, but also develop their literacy and understanding of mathematics.
Children benefit from the Montessori method the best when their school environment is further supported in the home. As a lifestyle, allowing children to pursue their interests and let them learn at their own pace, allows children to find their natural areas of excellence and allows parents or teachers to assist in areas where they require support. All this while keeping the child’s emotional needs as a priority.
Safeguarding a child’s emotions and comfort is quite aligned with the beliefs of both Mommy Mundo and Huggies Philippines, which seeks to support children’s comfort throughout their infancy and toddler years. To learn more about how Huggies Philippines supports mothers throughout their journey, follow them on Facebook and stay tuned to Mommy Mundo for more events.
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