Let Them Do It!

Children in the Butterfly Toddler Class enjoy making beautiful flower arrangements, reading books, and working with puzzles. They are still learning to improve their skill of holding a tray with material and taking it to the table. Even though they sometimes fail, they do not give up and keep trying to carry heavy objects.

What do you do when your child fails a task? Do you do it for them? Do you observe and let them try harder?

In the classroom (we often call it the prepared environment), the materials and the entire classroom setup have something we call the control of error, which is basically how the child realizes on their own that when they make a mistake, they can correct it by themselves. Some examples include: using fragile items that break if misused, so the child quickly learns to use them correctly; having only one of each material (the child learns to wait his turn and prioritize); using wooden floors (the child learns to regulate how they walk). 

Children need time to master a skill; our job is to maintain patience and let them try their way. When they are allowed to experience and make mistakes, they feel loved, secure, and understood. Accept that they make mistakes and try to maintain a positive attitude about it. For example, if your child spills something, you can say, “It’s ok; let’s get the mop to clean it up.” The more they practice, the more control they have over their bodies.

You must stand behind and watch as they try instead of taking over. We want to let them know they can do things by themselves, and letting them try is the only way they will succeed.

It will take time, but in the end, your child will master a skill, and you will be so proud of them. Good luck!

–Butterfly Teacher