Promoting independence in toddlers is an essential aspect of their growth and development. There are more than three hundred international schools in India and integrated well-known curriculums to educate students. Regarding toddlers, schools should provide freedom to act on the school premises. Let’s look at the aspects.
Provide a Safe Environment
Ensure your home/school is childproofed and safe, so your toddler can explore without constant intervention. This allows them to move around and learn within a secure environment. Currently, some international schools have created separate spaces for toddlers.
Encourage Decision-Making
Offer simple choices throughout the day. For instance, let them choose between two snack options or two outfits. This helps them feel empowered and capable of making decisions. International schools in India have given unique places for toddlers as it is the beginning stage for toddlers to learn.
Allow Self-Dressing
Give your toddler a chance to dress, even if it takes longer, resulting in mismatched outfits. This fosters their fine motor skills and independence.
Mealtime Independence
Offer age-appropriate foods that are easy for them to handle. Please encourage them to use utensils and drink from a cup. While there will be messes, it's a valuable learning experience. Teachers of International schools should give them space during mealtime.
Teach Basic Self-Care
Show them how to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and use the potty. These routines lay the foundation for good hygiene habits and independence. Primary teachers must know how to teach toddlers. International schools must recruit teachers with enough experience to teach toddlers.
Engage in Chores Together
Involve your toddler in simple chores like picking up toys, helping set the table, or putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Make it fun and praise their efforts. For the last two decades, international schools in Mumbai have been giving admission to toddlers as it is essential for them to have quality teaching from qualified teachers.
Promote Problem-Solving
Instead of immediately solving a problem for them, could you encourage them to find solutions? This could be figuring out how to stack blocks or retrieve a toy from under the couch.
Encourage Communication
Teachers in international schools should teach them to express their needs and feelings through words. This reduces frustration and helps them become more self-reliant in expressing themselves.
Practice Patience
Toddlers take time to learn and master new skills. Be patient and give them the space to practice, even if it means things take a bit longer. Some of the best international schools in Mumbai, like DSB International, have implemented mastering skills for toddlers.
Foster Playtime Independence
Allow them to play on their own without constant supervision. This encourages creativity and imaginative play.
Read and Explore Together
Engage in reading and exploratory activities. Ask questions that encourage critical thinking and independent thought. A few international schools in Mumbai have designed materials for them to teach with proper methods.
Acknowledge Efforts
Praise their attempts and accomplishments, even if they're small. This boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep trying.
Model Independence
Show them through your actions what independence looks like. Let them see you complete tasks on your own and handle daily responsibilities. When teachers in international schools start working with toddlers, they can make it a habit.
Establish Routines
Consistent routines give toddlers a sense of predictability and control. They know what to expect, which can reduce resistance and tantrums.
Give Time for Unstructured Play
Unstructured playtime allows toddlers to use their imagination and explore their interests without rigid guidelines.
Social Interaction
International schools have to arrange playdates or group activities where they can interact with other children. This fosters social skills and a sense of independence in social situations.
