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December 01, 2017

Play at 12 Months -- Montessori Baby Week 52

Well, we made it to week 52! One whole year with a Montessori baby post a week! I really really can't believe that I finished, to be honest! The big question now is -- should I continue a weekly series for the next year?  

This past Sunday Augustus officially turned 1-year-old! It's incredible just how fast life goes with three children. The whole year feels like a blur, and I'm actually quite grateful to this series having recorded a little bit about Gus each week. 

Thoughts on Montessori baby play at 12-months-old and an end to the Montessori baby series

At 12 months, I can start to see little changes in Gus that point to his impending toddler-hood. There are suddenly signs of frustration when he can't do something - either because he can't figure it out or because a limit has been set. There is a budding curiosity finger pointing and the words "dis?" {this?} and "dat?" {that?} There is a new joy in making decisions, and having them understood and respected. 


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His play is starting to look and feel different too. There's a new found joy in figuring out how something is supposed to work, instead of just chewing on it (although a lot of that still occurs!) There's also a new level of physical movement. Without taking the time to observe, you might even think that he isn't concentrating in the same way he used to when he was much more still. 


Augustus plays with an imbucare box in these pictures. 

But, that's not true either. There's concentration in movement, and as he physically challenges himself. There is value in this movement. And, I know that it won't stop anytime soon. In fact, I know that his days of being interested in shelf work are more likely to come to an end in favor of just moving, moving, moving! And, that's ok! 


As I have said all a long, this year has been about Augustus' journey around the sun! But every child will be different. And the best we can do as parents is respect that, meet our children where they are and follow them! I want to leave you with one finally thought on that note for this year: 
"At the same age one child will be working on eye-hand coordination, another concentrating on making sounds, another on push-ups or trying to move his whole body through space. One child will be interested in sitting up and eating at a table sometime during the first year and another content to breastfeed. One child will enjoy sitting on a potty to urinate and another will just not be interested. The best we can do is to support free movement, provide the best language model, and then watch listen, respect, offer, and get out of the way." Susan Mayclin Stephenson 

So go! Provide the best for your baby, respect where they are, and watch and learn from them! They are incredible all on their own!

Thoughts on Montessori baby play at 12-months-old and an end to the Montessori baby series


Do you have a 1-year-old, or young toddler? Are you interested in seeing this series continue?  

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Comments

golb
golb said…
This has been a truly wonderful and inspiring series! I am truly impressed you have managed to post every week, and really hope it continues! My little one (my first) is 7 months old, and it is so nice to see small glimpses of what is "ahead" on her own unique journey. The posts have really inspired me as we continue to strive for a montessori approach at home, and given me thoughts and ideas hat have helped me be prepared as she grows. Please do keep it up!
Tiffany Sandell
Tiffany Sandell said…
Thank you for sharing, you’ve provided wonderful inspiration for me to implement at home. Can I ask where the colourful hexagonal climbing frame in the first picture of this post is from?
Kelly
Kelly said…
Please continue! My son turns 1 in a week and I have loved reading your posts this year and growing along with you.
Raq
Raq said…
Hey, I'd really love it if you did a blog post about Online Certification Programs like www.montessorilive.org. Programs like Montessori Live are trying to encourage educators to get Montessori certified since there's a continual shortage of certified Montessori teachers in the world.
SeedhiBaat
SeedhiBaat said…
This series has been great. My second son turned 1 year old 2 weeks ago and this series has been wonderful companion, helping me along the way. Do hope you will continue, even fortnightly would be good.
Anja
Anja said…
Happy belated birthday, Augustus! I've been following this series with great interest, because I have a 8 month old at home that benefits tremendously from it :) So, please continue if you have the time, I will appreciate it a lot.
Anonymous
Anonymous said…
Hi and thanks for your very interesting blog! I am following you from France, I have a baby who will soon turn 1 so I have really liked to read this series and hope it continues in some way.
Unknown
Unknown said…
Thank you for sharing!! You have been so insightful at each stage. As a first time mum with an 11 month old, your information and thought provoking ideas have inspired me to watch, listen and respect my child. I would love to keep reading the series if you have time with your busy little tribe. Thanks again. ��
darkestwhiteltd
darkestwhiteltd said…
Pls continue! Maybe a monthly update if weekly is too taxing on you? My son is about 2 weeks younger than Gus and your posts have been the most inspiring for me since their births :)
abcya
abcya said…
I read some articles on this site and I think your blog is really interesting and has great information. Thank you for your sharing.