Preschool Parents: Promoting Independence Through Play Spaces

As any parent of a young child knows, the toddler and preschool years are busy! It’s at this stage when young children are on the cusp of becoming more independent and wanting to do things themselves, yet still need some guidance from caregivers. There’s so much to learn and explore. 

Fostering our children’s social-emotional and academic development in this crucial period, while still managing our day-to-day work and responsibilities, can feel overwhelming or tiring at times. Parents are multitasking to keep up with it all!

What can parents do?
How can parents promote their children’s independence and learning? Are there manageable and fun ways to do this?

​Blanca Sobhan is a Montessori Teacher and Consultant with Giggle + Grow. Their focus is creating and utilizing effective learning/play environments for children.

What is Montessori?
"The Montessori method was created by doctor Maria Montessori and centers on developing the child’s whole self by providing an atmosphere with the right tools where the child can manage to do things independently. All to foster love for learning and discovery."

How does a child’s environment/play area influence their independence and learning?
"Having the right set up can really ease some of the common challenges parents/caregivers go through with their little ones at home. 
Young children are constantly looking for hands-on opportunities to learn throughout the day, but most families' homes are set up in a way where the adult is required to do everything for them."

What tools/things are helpful to set up in a child’s play space?
"Toys, books, materials, and activities that not only entertain the child but also that can engage the development."

What does Giggle + Grow do? What services and offerings do you have to help families?
“I help families with young children 0-6 years old from the comfort of their home using the Montessori method. I currently offer 4 services: Home Set Up, Playroom Set Up, Personalized Curriculum, Academic Support.

Beside mentoring parents and their caregivers: 

• I design & set up child-friendly areas throughout the house to make day-to-day activities easier for the child but also for the caregiver. 
• I design & set up a playroom where the child is motivated to easily clean up independently and promote a meaningful playtime 
• I create a personalized curriculum tailored to the child’s needs with endless ideas and activities to do to meet developmental milestones. 
• I provide play-based academic support using authentic Montessori materials and lessons to foster love of learning not only at home, but for upcoming school years."

Where are you located? What area(s) do you serve?
I live in San Francisco but I serve the entire Bay Area. I currently work with families in SF, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Marin County.

What's one tidbit of helpful information or encouragement that you'd want all families to know?
With the Montessori method you can add simplicity and beauty in your home, as well as save time & energy to spend quality time connecting with your child. You can help your child succeed at home and empower them to learn— planting the seeds now to raise independent and intelligent human beings (both intellectually and emotionally).

Parents/caregivers can set up their home to be a space of YES: YES the child can participate in everyday activities like food preparation of snacks, YES the child can get dressed and ready for the day independently… YES the child can take care of their home by cleaning up their toys effortlessly.

How to get in touch with Blanca:
www.gigglegrow.com
gigglegrowsf@gmail.com