I always have a hard time with how to describe my newly 3-year-old children. They are sort of preschooler, sort of toddlers, but one-hundred percent unique. A new phase of development is upon, the second half of the first plane of development - the conscious absorbent mind. It's a new phase of deeper exploration and development of skills, of active participation within the environment, and the blossoming of their confidence.
While my-new 3-year-old still has several months before she will start Montessori preschool, I'm seeing so much growth in her that I would share some of the older toddler Montessori activities she's been gravitating toward over the last couple of months.
Fine Motor Control Activities
I've observed that so much of Penelope's days are focused on developing fine motor skills. She loves working her little fingers and figuring out the best ways to move. She does this in many ways but some of her favorites include:
- Magnetic maze toys
- Lacing cards (similar)
- DIY tweezer work
- Frame and jigsaw puzzles
Logic Toys for Montessori Toddlers
The other thing she is very attracted to right now are things that make her think a little bit about what needs to be done. She enjoys sorting, matching, and counting. Some of her favorites right now have included:
Practical life work remains an important part of our days together. At 3, I've noticed a lot more independence in choosing and using practical choices. She is starting to notice that the windows are dirty, or remembers that laundry needs to be done. It's less my prompting and more her action. Her favorite practical activities lately have been:
- Watering plants
- Baking - especially banana bread
- Wiping windows and tables
- Folding laundry
Gross Motor Skills for Older Toddlers
This has not been my most gross motor inclined toddler experienced. But, we are seeing some fun gains lately especially in outdoor play. Some favorites have been:
This age is a lot of fun. I will be savoring the last few months I have with her at home full time. Just sitting back and watching all the amazing things she is learning on her own is all I need to do! Montessori toddlers are just so incredible.
