This is a recording of our Live Talk with Simone Davies and Sylvia Arotin. They delve into various Montessori strategies, such as recognizing readiness for reading, fostering independent play, and adapting activities to a child’s interests as they progress from toddlers to preschoolers. They emphasize instilling independence within structured limits, handling discipline with kindness, managing multi-age learning environments at home, and supporting children’s social and educational growth. Practical advice on transitioning to preschool, addressing separation anxiety, and following children’s intrinsic motivations is shared, enriching parents and educators with valuable insights on nurturing early childhood development.
In this video
A 3-year-old full of “why” questions, and sudden refusals that end in “I hate you”. Simone Davies and Sylvia Arotin talk with parents about what changes as a toddler becomes a preschooler, from new social and movement skills to clear limits. Questions include a child who keeps playing in front of the mirror, whether regular toys get in the way, and teaching a 3-year-old to say “stop” when other kids are unkind.
Chapters
- 0:00 How Simone Davies and Sylvia Arotin found Montessori
- 4:25 The conscious absorbent mind and why 3-year-olds ask why
- 8:31 New social, movement and sensory skills from age 3
- 15:11 Developing the will with clear limits and the adult as guide
- 20:30 Why your child plays in front of the mirror all the time
- 22:17 Sudden refusals and "I hate you": try a checklist, stay calm
- 28:35 Is your 3-year-old ready to read and count, and how to help
- 34:48 A toddler who won't play alone: follow, then step back
- 37:43 Do regular toys get in the way of Montessori materials?
- 41:00 Kind and clear discipline when your child has big emotions
- 45:52 Easing separation anxiety with short goodbyes and a visit
- 49:38 Teaching a 3-year-old to say stop when other kids are unkind
- 54:17 Sharing a play space with a preschooler, toddler and newborn
- 57:30 Building activities around your preschooler's interests

