Introduction. Let's change the way we see toddlers
What we need to know about toddlers
Parenting the Montessori toddler
Getting the most out of this book
Introduction to Montessori. A brief history of Montessori
Traditional education vs. Montessori education
Some Montessori principles
Montessori activities for toddlers. Montessori activities for the whole child
What makes an activity Montessori?
How to show the child an activity
General principles to keep in mind
How to set up an activity
Types of activities. Eye-hand coordination ; Music and movement ; Practical life ; Arts and crafts ; Language
An extra note on the outdoors and nature
What about non-Montessori toys?
Setting up the home. Setting up Montessori-style spaces
Room by room. Entrance ; Living room ; Kitchen ; Eating area ; Bedroom ; Bathroom ; Arts and crafts area ; Cozy place for reading ; Outside
General principles to keep in mind. Tackling the clutter ; Making it cozy ; Setting up our home to save us work ; Sharing spaces ; Small spaces
The importance of the home environment
Raising a curious child who feels seen and heard. Part one: Encouraging curiosity in our child
Five ingredients for curiosity. Trust in the child ; A rich learning environment ; Time ; A safe and secure base ; Fostering a sense of wonder
Seven principles for curious humans. Follow the child ; Encourage hands-on learning ; Include the child in daily life ; Go slow ; Help me to help myself ; Encourage creativity ; Observation
Part two: Accepting our child for who they are. Give toddlers significance, belonging, and acceptance for who they are
Allow all feelings, but not all behavior
Give our child feedback instead of praise
Nurturing cooperation and responsibility in our child. Part one: Cultivating cooperation
Why the Montessori approach does not use threats, bribes, or punishments
Problem solving with our toddlers
Ways to involve our child
How we can talk to help them listen
Part two: Setting limits. It's okay to set limits
Follow through with kind and clear action
Acknowledge negative feelings
Reconnecting once they are calm
A handy checklist for limits
Putting it into practice. Part one: Daily care
Getting dressed and leaving the house
Part two: Dealing with changes. Toileting
Saying goodbye to pacifiers
Part three: Useful skills for our toddlers to learn. Sharing
Learning how to interrupt an adult
Skills for introverted toddlers
A hitting/biting/pushing/throwing phase
Being the adult. Preparation of the adult
Cultivate a learning mind-set
Start and end the day right
Fill our emotional bucket and our child's
Take responsibility for our life and choices
Working together. What about everyone else?
The key to working together as a family
Grandparents and caregivers
When there is conflict in the family
Divorce does not have to be a dirty word
What's next. Getting ready for preschool/school
It's time for a change in education
Real stories: home tours and quotes from Montessori families
Australia. Kylie, Aaron, Caspar, Otis, and Otto ; How we Montessori
Mongolia. Enerel, Bayanaa, Nimo, and Odi ; Mininimoo
Canada. Beth, Anthony, and Quentin ; Our Montessori life
USA. Amy, James, Charlotte, and Simon ; Midwest Montessori
My family. Simone, Oliver, and Emma ; Australia and the Netherlands
My classroom. Jacaranda Tree Montessori ; Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Appendix. Instead of this, say that
Where to find Montessori materials and furniture
About Montessori schools. What to look for in a Montessori school ; What does a typical day at a Montessori school look like? ; Is Montessori suitable for every child? ; How does a child transition to a traditional school after being at Montessori?
List of Montessori activities for toddlers
