One of the foundations of Montessori education is having respect for the child and their individual learning process. One way that guides accomplish this goal in a Montessori toddler program is by allowing for work periods, which are set times of the day when children have the freedom to work through tasks on their own.
Montessori guides consider these periods vital to the child’s development in multiple areas. Discover what work periods entail at the toddler level and how this time benefits child development.
The Guiding Principles of Montessori Work Periods
Like most everything that happens in a Montessori toddler program, work periods are guided by a set of principles, which determine how to manage these times of the day:
- The child performs their work uninterrupted, and the guide does not interfere unless the child asks for help or the materials are being used inappropriately
- The work is chosen by the child, who is guided by their own inner teacher who already knows the necessary milestones and the work needed to get there
- The child completes tasks at their own pace because, unlike more traditional classrooms, there is no set timer for any given activity
- The work period is always separate from other whole-class activities, such as outdoor play or circle time
By adhering to these principles, guides are able to prepare an environment that truly helps children grow in independence.
What Usually Happens During a Work Period?
Because work periods are tailored to the individual, they will look different for each child. However, there are some elements that most Montessori toddler programs will have in common:
- The child arranges their work environment in a way that helps them do their best work, which could mean sitting at tables or on the floor with a mat
- The child chooses an activity that interests them and brings it into their workspace
- The classroom guide quietly observes each child as they complete activities, assisting and redirecting as needed but not instructing the child on what to do
- The child is allowed to take breaks when needed to meet their own needs, including for stretching, going to the restroom, or simply looking out the window
- The child begins another activity as they finish the first one, which may include having a lesson with the guide or continuing to work independently
- The guide encourages children to restore their work when they are done
The work period length is based on the child’s age. While primary students may have a two-hour work period, toddlers may only have one or two throughout the day since it may not be age-appropriate to expect a child of toddler age to focus for that long.
The Benefits of the Independent Work Period
Work periods have several benefits for children in Montessori toddler programs, including:
- Improving concentration skills as children dive deeper into work
- Avoiding feelings of being left behind as students work at their own pace
- Encouraging toddlers to develop a sense of independence
- Avoiding the need for busywork to occupy children while others finish a task
- Allowing children to work on tasks that interest them, which sparks creativity and curiosity and is in line with how their absorbent mind works
- Avoiding the need to offer rewards or incentives, as children find joy and deep satisfaction in the task itself
These benefits are essential for helping children become self-sufficient problem-solvers who can help themselves and those around them.
The Montessori Method Helps Children Develop Independence
Ultimately, the work period is designed to help toddlers learn to trust themselves and allow their independent minds to flourish. In turn, they’re able to develop the confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and focus they need to gain new skills, explore the world, and expand their ability to creatively solve complex issues.
If this sounds like something you want for your child, the Montessori toddler program at Montessori West can help. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your child develop their natural curiosity and get the tools they need to become lifelong learners.
