EDUCATING TODDLERS

In the last three years I’ve learned that education doesn’t have to look like sitting at a desk or following a strict schedule, especially in the toddler years.

My oldest, who’s three at the time of me writing this, loves to sit down and do more “formal” work. He gets excited about tracing letters, practicing reading, and flipping through scholastic work books. My two-year-old, on the other hand, could care less. She’ll spend hours stacking blocks, pretending to cook in her play kitchen, or helping me sort laundry, and all of it is learning.

I’ve come to realize that both approaches are valuable. Toddlers don’t need a one-size-fits-all method; they need opportunities to explore what sparks their interest. Whether it’s structured activities or free play, those moments build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence.

Education at this age isn’t about perfection or rigid lessons — it’s about nurturing their natural love for discovery. When we slow down and see the world through their eyes, we realize that learning is happening all around us — in the simplest, most beautiful ways.