Skip to main content

Montessori Toddlers and Maximum Effort

Closely related to the need for gross motor play in toddlers is the need to reach maximum effort. While I knew nothing about Montessori when Henry was a toddler, I recognized this need in him, but just thought he was funny. He was always trying to carry and lift things that were way too big for him, or were too heavy. Now, I realize that Montessori toddlers and maximum effort just go together!

Toddlers can often be seen trying to haul heavy objects. In Montessori we recognize this as the need to reach maximum effort.

This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. 

I recognize these same qualities in Nora. Except, this time, I know that she's trying to reach maximum effort. Montessori recognized that as toddlers grew, they looked for ways to develop their strength. They look for ways to challenge themselves in constructive ways.

Toddlers can often be seen trying to haul heavy objects. In Montessori we recognize this as the need to reach maximum effort.

Knowing this, I have looked for opportunities for Nora to exercise this internal drive to reach this maximum effort. Often, this means not reacting when Nora reaches for something that might not seem like its appropriate for her. Not only does this help to increase her concentration, its amazing when you see their own minds at work.


But, it also means providing Nora with heavy objects to safely haul, lift, drag and carry. These are things for her 

One easy way that I've done this has been with DIY water jugs. I filled small jugs {like these} from a craft store with varying amounts of water. They are perfect for lifting or just carrying around. Since they are plastic {unlike most of her materials}, I don't worry about her dropping them if she gets tired.


These have been a huge hit with Henry and Nora, actually. They can usually be found inside our walker wagon adding weight to be pushed, or being carried just carried around. 


Other common objects can also be used to meet the need to reach maximum effort. These include large pillows, large balls, unit blocks, foam blocks {pictured}, and other small heavy objects. 


Have you noticed your child trying to reach maximum effort? What do they like to do?

Comments

ARWmamaoffive said…
I can look back and remember my little ones doing the same things and always thinking how cute it was, and yet, you are right - they were very serious about it. I can't believe she's big enough already to be walking around and *working* through her day. Time flies! :)
August 29, 2015 at 4:11 PM
Jenn said…
I'm curious to know how and where you store those huge foam blocks! I'd love to get some of those for my toddler but wouldn't know where to put them when not in use.
September 18, 2015 at 11:23 PM
Anonymous said…
I've noticed my 14 mo carrying around a sack of potatoes! She also tries to put her hand in the sack, but can't quite figure out how to get the plastic tab off.
February 8, 2016 at 9:50 AM

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

The Ultimate Montessori Toy List -- Birth to Five -- UPDATED 2020

When you are interested in Montessori, it can be difficult to know exactly what types of products you should get for your home. Or which types of "Montessori" materials are really worth the price. There are no rules about types of products can use the name Montessori which can add to the confusion. Not to mention, every toy manufacturer slaps the word "educational" on the package for good measure! 2020 UPDATE: This list is updated for another year! Enjoy a variety of Montessori friendly finds from both major retailers and smaller shops!  So, with this post, I'm going to try to help with this confusion! Here's a list of Montessori-friendly toys and materials for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.  First, let's clarify that there is no such thing as a "Montessori toy." Montessori never created toys, but only works for classroom settings. While there are many works that I recommend for home school use, you won't find these
21 comments
Continue reading

Sensitive Periods from Birth to 6 - A Chart and Guide

Dr. Maria Montessori spent her life observing, studying, and writing about children. During her lifetime of work she discovered that young children move through a series of special times when they are particularly attracted to specific developmental needs and interests. She called these times, sensitive periods. During the sensitive period, children learn skills related to the sensitive period with ease. They don't tire of that work, but seek it, crave it and need it. When the sensitive period passes, this intense desire is gone, never to return.  That doesn't mean the skill is lost forever once the sensitive period is over. Instead, it just means that it will take a more conscious effort to learn. As Dr. Montessori explains,  This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. "A child learns to adjust himself and make acquisitions in his sensitive periods. These are like a beam that lights interiorly a battery that furnishes energy. It is this sensibility which enables
2 comments
Continue reading

Our Kids' Montessori Gift Lists 2020

With the holiday season upon us we've been making lists and gathering gifts for the Kavanaugh children. It's always a fun process of observing my children, seeing what they would really be interested in and making some decisions based on what I see. This year is different because I'm also making decisions knowing that we are looking at a very long and quiet winter ahead. So that's influencing the amount I will buy and the specific choices I will/have made.  Henry and Nora are also at the point, being into the second plane of development, where they heavily influence the items on the list and what is ultimately purchased. So, you'll see that while Montessori influences what I will purchase and what goes on their list, so does their own preferences and personality.  This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.  Theodore Teddy is 14-months-old right now and as the fourth baby, we have so many toddler things. But, there are a few things I've still found tha
1 comment
Continue reading