The Montessori approach to potty training focuses on giving children independence and awareness of their bodily functions. It starts with dressing toddlers in cloth diapers so they can learn to control their bodily functions. Montessori classrooms also use child-sized toilets and sinks to let children perform tasks themselves. At home, parents can encourage independence by using potty seats and step stools for children to take initiative in toileting.

1. Potty Training, The Montessori Way

2. • The director at the Montessori Shir-Hashirim private
preschool in Hollywood, California, realizes the
importance of getting parents involved in the Montessori
style of toilet training.
On the Shir-Hashirim website, parents can read about
how the Montessori approach makes bathroom rituals
both a positive experience for the child and an exercise in
independence.

3. • The first step in Montessori-led toilet training is to dress a
child in cloth diapers.
This should be done so that the child can develop an
awareness of his or her bodily functions, and can begin to
learn how to control them. Often in Montessori
classrooms, teachers will encourage walking toddlers to
stand during diaper changes to engage them in the process
of self care.

4. • Most Montessori classrooms are equipped with child-
sized toilets and sinks so that children can perform more
of the tasks involved in going to the bathroom, like
getting onto the toilet and turning on the water when it is
time to wash their hands.
At home, parents can try to give children the same
opportunity for independence by placing potty seats and
step stools in the bathroom and encouraging children to
take the initiative in toileting practices.

5. Visit Montessori Shir-Hashirim’s website at
www.montessorihollywood.org to learn more about the
school and the Montessori approach to education.