4Real Forums: When to start presentations?

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Nurturing the Years of Wonder
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Topic: When to start presentations?

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SusanMc
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Joined: Jan 21 2008
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Posted: Jan 16 2009 at 9:56am \| IP Logged

I don't think this has been addressed before but perhaps I missed it. I'm wondering when it is appropriate to start doing more formal presentation with a toddler. I am sort of going with a Charlotte Mason meets Montessori approach to our home thus far with my 20 month old. He has plenty of outdoor time, free play, and I help him learn to do things for himself as soon as he shows an interest.

Recently he seems to be interested in things like water play with pouring and sorting a bottle of water in a cupcake tin and the like. None of this has been initiated by me...he just swipes stuff from the changing table (bottle of water) and kitchen (muffin tin) and he's doing his own thing.

All of the things I have read like Elizabeth Hainstock's books, suggest that presentations start around 2-3 years old. But it seems that perhaps my toddler is ready for some of these lessons now.

So my question is would it be too soon to start devoting more time each day to a presenation? Or am I just a typical mom who thinks her kid is above average in every way?

CatholicMommy
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Posted: Jan 16 2009 at 12:19pm \| IP Logged

Oh every child IS above average in every way

I was giving my son presentations in infancy. His very first one that I officially thought of as a presentation was "how to put toothpicks into a baby food jar" - at 9 months old, he loves it! (he was not a mouther of objects by the way!).

You could just start with some basic things like that though - practical things - and the two of you will get used to the style of presentations - you do and he watches, then he tries it. How to spread jam on a cracker or piece of bread (I find bread or english muffins easier than crackers! bigger and less likely to break) - how to wash hands, etc.

I bet you're doing some things already! And then he'll ease into what we consider more academic things as time goes on, maybe sooner rather than later. :)

montessori_lori
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Posted: Jan 16 2009 at 3:28pm \| IP Logged

You can start whenever your child is ready!

Elizabeth Hainstock's book is primarily geared towards preschool materials, so that's why her presentations are for 2-3 year olds. There are infant and toddler classrooms around the world where teachers are presenting work to the children.

Anytime we show kids "how" to do something, we're doing a presentation. That can be brushing teeth, putting on socks, etc. So, you've already done "presentations" without realizing it.

Now you can formalize them by having your son sit next to you at a table or rug. Keep them short and sweet, have everything with you that you need, and you should be fine.

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mooreboyz
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Posted: Jan 16 2009 at 4:34pm \| IP Logged

Susan, do go ahead and start. I have been doing what Lori describes since my littlest was around 1. He is 20 months now and loves all of his work and is quite independent and confident. The best resource I found for this age is Montessori from the Start. Check it out and have fun!

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Jackie
7 boys - 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17 years

SusanMc
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Posted: Jan 17 2009 at 9:10am \| IP Logged

Thanks, ladies, for the reassurance and book referral. I suppose I had an artificial line in my mind between the natural learning that come each day and the "official" Montessori lessons. I'm just glad to know that I'm not pushing my son by doing so.

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