Because we are using the Montessori method, one that follows the child’s development, our environments change as the child changes. I showed our infant room and our living area for the infant stage. There were some tweaks along the way, but we made significant changes when he turned one. We did not make them just because he turned one, but because he was at a new stage of development. He was walking confidently and even running. He could walk while carrying things, and he was ready to spend some of his time during the day in training pants.
Reminder of our old room. See the Infant room post for more pictures
We had the rug and he did most of his work on the floor. He had this little chair that he could push to wherever he wanted and often sat in front of the mirror with. We had moved the bed pictured in the infant room post to our room so he could spend some or most of the night in our room. He naps in different places around the house including this mat in his room.
and here is the updated room.
We took away the rug mostly because he will be in training pants and it’s easier to clean up tiles than rugs.
We also added a work table. I wanted to shorten the table and chairs by a few inches but my husband was not a fan of the idea. He feels it will serve us longer this way. My son is able to climb on and off the chair independently but I don’t like that his feet are not flat on the floor when he is sitting. It works for now.
I also finally added the picture frame using velcro. I found the perfect calendars that fit the frame we had and so I rotate the pictures.
Again, you can see how this looked before in the infant room post.
We added the rack so that he can choose his clothes himself from limited options. At this time, I still offer and ask which one he would like to wear. He like to pick it of the rack himself and put back the hanger.
I also changed the baskets to shallower ones without lids so that he can pick his training pants or shorts by himself.
I moved his chair closer to the book racks so that he can make the association of picking a book and sitting to read. The chair is also close to the dressing area. While he prefers to sit on the floor to dress up, he sometimes sits on the chair too.
The door to the right is his toilet and you can read about the major change to it and see some pictures here.
So not huge changes but the room serves his current needs. I continue to love the simplicity of this room and he loves it too. He knows it’s his room and he enjoys spending time here. Here’s a video of him in his room on a random morning. It shows how the room allows him some independence.
Random: I got a little teary when he hugged the topponcino. I remember when he was this tiny and fit on it. They really do grow fast!
I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, questions. Do you change your child’s spaces as they grow?
Live a Good Life!
0 Comments
Vestal · September 15, 2014 at 8:57 am
Nice. Just as we make changes in our own adult living space, its a great idea to do the same for a growing child.
montessorilifeasweknowit · October 12, 2014 at 7:34 am
This is beautiful Junnifer. I am so interested in toddler spaces, everyone’s is different and for varying reasons. Solu’s is just the right mix of practicality and beauty v budget v stimulating. Thank you for sharing.
bridubs · October 23, 2014 at 5:48 am
Great room! I am considering transitioning our home to be more Montessori friendly. Not sure why I haven’t made the move before now, but my current toddler will love it!
nduoma · October 29, 2014 at 7:09 am
Thank you bridges. Have you figured out what’s holding you back? I’m happy to answer any questions or provide any help you need to move forward with making your home more suited to your toddler.
bridubs · October 31, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Thanks so much! Our older child went to Montessori schools from age 3-7 and we now homeschool. I never learned about how to incorporate Montessori spaces at home (though we did end up doing using some techniques with our big kid unknowingly). Our toddler is still cosleeping part of the night, so I wasn’t sure if transforming her room would be the best decision. You’ve really inspired me to revamp the rest of our living spaces though!
Setting Up a Montessori Home for Toddlers - Christian Montessori Network · September 30, 2014 at 6:17 pm
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