Toilet Learning for toddlers in the Montessori toddler

Toilet Learning for toddlers in the Montessori toddler classroom Presented by Tiffany Morris

Introduction • When is my child ready for toilet learning? • How should our family prepare my child for toilet learning in the classroom? • What will toilet learning look like in the toddler Montessori classroom? • What if my child Is not willing/ready to participate in the toilet learning program?

Training Outline • Toilet training vs. toilet learning: ▫ Teaching a young child to use the toilet vs. a child’s natural ability to use the toilet and offering assistance through indirect and direct preparation. • Suggested reading and resources for parents ▫ How to set up an environment for success in our home and when to begin the process? • Toilet learning in the classroom ▫ Through teacher guidance and a well prepared environment each child may be successful with toilet learning in the classroom.

Toilet learning vs. toilet training • Toddlers ages 18 months-3 years in their “sensitive period” , based upon natural laws of development for toilet awareness. • If the environment is carefully prepared and the child is guided by an adult, with acknowledgement of helping the child transition from an unconscious state of what he is doing to the conscious state, while also excising patience and understanding. • If the child begins this process at home before entering the toddler classroom the child will most likely become more successful with the familiar routine as an extension of their home environment.

Starting the process at home • Begin by using cloth training pants along with rubber pants if preferred. • Introduce the toilet to the child and talk about and use language that is actual. . . “toilet, penis, vagina, toilet paper, urine, poop”. • Have underwear at child's level and let the child choose his own and demonstrate for the child how to put on and pull down. • Have bench and mirror for child to use for independent assistance. • Do not praise child, ask child how does it feel to go on the toilet and acknowledge that you see the child is using the toilet independently.

Patience, patience!!! • Help your child be as independent as possible • Every 20 -30 minutes remind child time to use the bathroom. (A timer may be useful) • Avoid screen time when sitting on the toilet • If they “pee their pants” do not use the term “you had an accident”; this is a term used for when a child needs a band aide or ice pack. Simply say “lets change your pants and use the bathroom”. • Rewards should not be needed, using the bathroom is a natural process. • Be as consistent as possible!!

Toilet learning in the Montessori toddler classroom • Upon arrival after removing shoes and coat, each child (perhaps in groups of two or three) will be guided to bathroom to remove pants and sit on toilet and put on underwear and rubber pants. • Designated times throughout the morning the children will be guided to the bathroom to use the toilet. • Proper handwashing is always followed and the child always has the option to refuse to use the toilet. • When change of underpants is needed the child will be guided to use as much independence as possible to change their pants and get on a new pair.

What if my child is not willing/ready to participate We hope that all families will attempt to try this at home and keep the teacher informed of there progress when their child enters the toddler classroom. • The children who find this as an extension of their home environment will find the most success! • All children have the right to refuse to use the toilet. We will still make every effort to encourage them to use the underwear while in the classroom. • If you find it is not a good time for your family to set up this environment at home, we only ask you keep us informed when you plan to start toilet learning at home.

Parent Resources: • Book: Diaper Free Before Three –A Healthier Way to Toilet Train and Help Your Child Out Of Diapers Sooner Author: Jill M. Lekovic, M. D • Article: Toilet Training Versus Toilet Learning By: Merry L. Hadden • Your classroom teacher is always available for support and guidance

Useful Items to have at your home: • Gerber Unisex Baby 6 Pack Training Pants (Baby) - White • Gerber Unisex Baby 2 Pack Waterproof Pant • BABYBJORN Potty Chair, Gray • BABYBJORN Step Stool • All items above can be purchased through Amazon