Montessori rules and routines are a natural part of Montessori schools. They’re very helpful in the home environment, too. You can often start to introduce some of the basic Montessori rules and routines when your toddler is between the ages of 15 and 18 months.
Introducing Basic Rules and Routines to Your Toddler
You can introduce simple routines such as taking out and using a rug for work, carrying a basket or tray, and putting work back on the shelf after using it. Demonstrate each activity for your toddler.
Don’t worry if your toddler doesn’t follow all the rules and routines right away. Just demonstrate a rule or routine again at another time. This is a process even for preschoolers who are 3-5 years old, so there’s no rush for your toddler.
Taking the Basket of Easter Egg Sound Shakers from the Shelf at 17 Months
Here’s a YouTube video with my daughter, Christina, and my 17-month-old granddaughter (Christina’s niece), Zoey. We just allow Zoey to have fun being a toddler and gradually introduce new activities, rules, and routines.
More Resources
My Family’s Favorite Clean Up Song (a song I love for toddlers and preschoolers)
Free Clean Up Songs (Tidy Up Songs) and Rhymes (lots of helpful songs for a variety of ages)
The Best Way to Teach Manners to a Toddler (simple ideas for introducing etiquette rules)
Grace and Courtesy for a New School Year (gives ideas of Montessori rules and routines – especially helpful for preschoolers in a classroom or homeschool)
Montessori Services Reviews (reviews include rugs, trays, and baskets)
Easter Egg Sound Shakers for Babies and Toddlers (pictured basket)
Montessori Open and Close Basket for Babies, Toddlers, or Preschoolers (shown in video)
Have fun! 🙂
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
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I love this Deb! And I absolutely agree. The foundational habit of taking out a rug, taking a tray, putting it back — these are all building up to when they turn 3 and can begin to do so much more!
Great information.Thank you deb for sharing
We recently decided to Montessori Homeschool Preschool with my 4 and 2 year old. I wish we would have started with simple routines earlier. My 2 year old seems to be picking up using the work mat faster than my 4 year old. Could be their personalities or that my younger son is in more of a sensitive period for learning these routines. My oldest like to watch me unroll and roll the work mat at floor level. It is a process and it will take some time, but we will get there.
This is a great resource for parents! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you stop by again next week!
what do you recommend for an 18-month-old that is still very “destructive”. if she sees her items displayed on a shelf she will drop everything and go throw them off then almost always just walk away.