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The development of the 19-month-old baby: Fostering autonomy and exploration - Valencia Montessori School

Each stage of a baby’s development is unique and exciting for parents. The 19-month-old baby begins to show his or her personality and to explore his or her environment in an increasingly independent way. It is an important stage in which parents can encourage their child’s autonomy and exploration. In this article, we will explore the developmental characteristics of the 19-month-old and offer some suggestions for supporting their growth and learning.

Physical development

At 19 months, the baby is already able to walk and run with some confidence. In addition, he can walk up and down stairs with assistance, and can throw and catch objects. This physical ability allows the child to explore his or her environment in new and exciting ways. Parents can encourage physical activity and exploration by offering their child the opportunity to play outdoors, walk and run in parks and green areas. They can also provide toys and materials that encourage physical activity, such as balls and bicycles for toddlers.

Cognitive development

The 19-month-old is in a constant learning stage and begins to understand more complex concepts, such as cause and effect. For example, if the baby throws a toy, he will learn that the toy will fall to the floor and make a sound. Parents can encourage their child’s cognitive learning by providing toys that encourage exploration and discovery. For example, building blocks and puzzles are excellent for encouraging problem solving and creativity.

Social and emotional development

At 19 months, the infant begins to show more interest in others and can interact with others in a more complex way. Parents can encourage their child’s social and emotional development by providing opportunities to interact with other children and adults in safe, supervised environments. In addition, they can foster empathy and understanding of others’ emotions by talking with their child about their feelings and the feelings of others.

Autonomy and exploration

Encouraging your 19-month-old’s autonomy and exploration is important for his physical, cognitive and social-emotional development. Some suggestions for encouraging their autonomy include:

  • Offer choices: The 19-month-old is learning to make choices. Parents can offer simple choices, such as “Do you want the red toy or the yellow toy?” to encourage independence.
  • Provide a safe environment: Parents can allow baby to explore his environment independently by creating a safe, supervised environment.
  • Encourage self-help: Parents can encourage self-help by providing baby with utensils and tools he can use, such as cups with handles and silverware with easy-to-grasp handles.

A crucial stage in a baby’s development

In conclusion, the development of the 19-month-old baby is a crucial stage in their growth, as the foundations are being laid for their autonomy and exploration in the world. By fostering their independence and allowing them to explore in a safe and supervised manner, we are helping them develop emotional, social and cognitive skills that are fundamental to their future well-being.

It is important to remember that each child develops at his or her own pace and that there is no single path to growth and learning. Therefore, it is critical to be attentive to each baby’s needs and cues and to adapt our strategies and approaches to his or her pace and learning style.

Therefore, to encourage autonomy and exploration in 19-month-old babies, it is advisable to give them opportunities to make choices, offer limited options, set clear and consistent limits, and allow them to explore and learn in a safe and supervised manner. In doing so, we are laying the foundation for healthy and balanced development in their future life. Remember to always celebrate and support your baby’s achievements and progress, as this will help them develop positive self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning and growth.

The development of the 19-month-old baby with the Montessori Method

In conclusion, the Montessori method presents itself as a valuable tool to enhance the development of 19-month-old babies. At this age, infants are in a crucial period of growth and discovery, and the Montessori approach provides them with an environment conducive to exploring and learning autonomously.

The Montessori method is based on the premise of respecting each child’s individual pace, allowing them to develop skills in their own time and following their natural interests. At 19 months, babies are in the process of motor and cognitive development, and the Montessori approach is perfectly adapted to their needs.

In a Montessori environment, babies have the freedom to move around and explore their environment in a safe and structured way. Materials and activities designed specifically for their development allow them to work on their fine motor coordination, their ability to concentrate and their autonomy. From fitting shapes to manipulating everyday objects, these little explorers are stimulating their brains and acquiring essential skills for their growth.

In addition, the Montessori approach promotes language and communication development in 19-month-old infants. Through meaningful interactions with their caregivers and exposure to a language-rich environment, little ones are enriching their vocabulary and communication skills. The use of sensory materials and hands-on activities also provides them with opportunities to explore different textures, sounds and sensations, stimulating their sensory and cognitive development.

In summary, the Montessori method presents itself as an invaluable guide for the development of 19-month-old infants. By providing them with a safe, structured and stimulating environment, it fosters their independence, curiosity and love of learning.