What 19 months old babies are capable of ?

10 months ago · Updated 10 months ago

Mike is 19 months old. I used to babysit him in the afternoon for a couple of hours whenever his mother needed to run errands.

Toddler threading beads on a string, developing fine motor skills in a Montessori setup. — Fine Motor Skills Development: A toddler practices threading, enhancing fine motor skills and concentration.

Now, he comes two mornings a week as his mother plans to place him at my preschool next year.

Developing Motor Skills

He can "pull" the pegs but doesn't know how to put them back yet because he's not strong enough with his pincer grip. He could do it pretty well if you help him to press a little. He can screw and unscrew the plastic pipes.

Young child sorting colored pegs, engaging in a Montessori activity that enhances cognitive and fine motor development. — Clothespin Activity: This toddler develops motor skill.

Independence and Routine Activities

He knows how to roll out a mat, take "work" from the shelves, and put them on a mat. However, he won't put them back in the original place or roll up the mat. He can also put the knobbed cylinders back into the holes when they are in order.

Child reaching for items in a Montessori classroom shelf, encouraging independence and decision-making skills. — Self-directed Exploration: Toddler independently chooses activities, fostering curiosity and autonomy in a safe environment.

Practical Life Skills

He can pretty freely walk and wander around in the classrooms without much attention from me. I presented the "work" to him whenever an opportunity arose, and he was able to quietly observe. I have to give him a bottle of milk around 10-11 a.m. and occasionally change his diaper.

Toddler concentrating on placing blocks in corresponding slots, practicing fine motor skills and spatial recognition in a Montessori environment. — Problem Solving Early On: A young child explores shape fitting, boosting problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.

Pour kidney beans from one cup to another cup, seldom spills now.
Transfer wooden buttons from one basket to another.
Put a screwdriver in and out of a bottle, pour it out, put it in again, pour it out, and so on. You get the idea.
Go to the cubicle, take his water bottle, press the button, drink through the sippy or if I pour him a drink in a short glass, he can also take the drink from the cup without spilling it.
If I give him one piece of tofu cut into cubes, he can finish them all by himself, no feeding needed.

Video about Educational Video on Milestones: Video detailing developmental milestones for 19-month-olds, providing caregivers educational insights into child growth.

The other children like to guide him on how to handle things with care and give him a hand whenever he wants to take breakables. He did mess things up a little sometimes, but other children usually helped him to pick them up voluntarily and/or upon my suggestion.

Content

Developing Motor Skills
Independence and Routine Activities
Practical Life Skills

So, What Have We Learned About Our Little Explorers?

How to Enhance Your 19-Month-Old's Development with Montessori Principles

So, What Have We Learned About Our Little Explorers?

Emerging Motor Skills: At 19 months, toddlers like Nelson are developing fine motor skills, such as pulling pegs and manipulating objects, though they might still need assistance with tasks requiring a strong pincer grip.
Growing Independence: Toddlers are capable of initiating routine activities like rolling out mats and selecting work, demonstrating budding independence and understanding of their environment.
Practical Life Engagement: Toddlers can engage in practical life activities that enhance their coordination and independence, such as pouring, transferring objects, and using simple tools like a screwdriver.
Social and Observational Learning: Even at a young age, toddlers like Nelson can learn from and interact socially with peers, benefiting from guided instruction and assistance from older children.
Routine and Care: Toddlers can manage parts of their routine, like drinking from a cup or eating independently, and can generally navigate familiar spaces with minimal supervision.

How to Enhance Your 19-Month-Old's Development with Montessori Principles

Encourage Independence: Foster your child’s independence by allowing them to perform simple tasks on their own, such as setting up their play area or choosing activities. Provide tools and materials that are safe and appropriate for their developmental stage.
Develop Fine Motor Skills: Introduce activities that help strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, such as stacking blocks, simple puzzles, or arts and crafts that involve pinching and grasping.
Create a Prepared Environment: Organize your home to be child-friendly with easily accessible and safe materials on low shelves, and ensure there is a comfortable space for activities that require concentration.
Practice Practical Life Skills: Engage your toddler in everyday practical activities, like pouring water or transferring items between containers. These not only improve motor skills but also teach valuable life skills.
Model and Guide Social Interactions: Encourage your toddler to interact with other children, which can be facilitated through playdates or family gatherings. Teach them simple social skills like sharing and cooperating.
Observe and Adjust: Pay close attention to your child’s responses to different activities and adjust them as needed to suit their interests and developmental level. This tailored approach helps maintain engagement and maximizes learning opportunities.
Maintain Routine and Consistency: Establish and stick to a daily routine that includes time for structured activities, free play, and rest. Consistency helps toddlers feel secure and aids in managing expectations.

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Hi! I'm Chris Palomino, a B.S. in Psychology, and a mother of a precious one-year-old girl. Over the past eight years, I've been guiding children, particularly those aged 3 to 6 facing developmental and learning challenges, with a special focus on autism and ADHD.

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