Montessori Toddler Program

 

During these crucial formative years, the Montessori classroom provides a safe environment for a child to flourish and develop self-identity which foster their physical and emotional growth.  The Montessori toddler room is designed to introduce children ages 18 to 36 months to a Montessori classroom with materials specifically designed to meet their developmental needs. The Montessori toddler classroom aims to nurture the young child’s budding independence while maintaining respect to self, others, and the environment. Children are provided a safe, warm, and carefully prepared space to explore and discover.

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The routines of practical life are the foundation of Montessori Infant & Toddler program

• Self-care: washing, dressing, toileting, and eating, according to each child’s individual capacity

• Care of the environment: cleaning, food preparation and food service; plant care and animal care

• Large-motor activities (indoors and out): walking, climbing, running, jumping, balancing, climbing steps, and more

• Fine-motor skills: reaching, grasping, picking up objects, transferring objects, using tools and utensils, doing art work

• Language: naming objects, describing actions and intentions, discussing pictures, conversation, music, and singing

• Social skills: developing manners through interactions with peers, teachers, and adult-led small group games

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Classroom Environment

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A Montessori environment for very young children gives your infant or toddler the freedom to safely explore and learn through discovery. The setting is calm, inviting, and homelike, with soft rugs, a rocking chair, books arrayed on low shelves and toys in baskets. Colors are muted, the atmosphere peaceful. The space is organized, clean, and uncluttered.

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The classroom is a community in which respect for the independence and character of your child is paramount. Caregivers are consistently calm, gentle, soft-spoken, patient, and trusting. They demonstrate respect and compassion by using eye contact, kneeling to the level of the child, addressing your children by name, and speaking before touching or moving them. The result is a calm, soothing atmosphere in which consistent caregivers create an emotional safe haven for those in their care.

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Learning materials are easily accessible. These materials are designed to foster concentration, problem solving, and a sense of achievement. Children select the material that interests them, use it for as long as they would like, clean it up (with assistance when needed), and make another choice.

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Equipment that supports gross and fine motor skills, such as low ladders with railings for children who are just learning to walk, are available for toddlers to try. Child-sized furniture, utensils, and other tools enable children to make independent choices and complete activities, which builds self-confidence, concentration, and critical thinking skills.  

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Montessori Toddler programs lay the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing your child’s curiosity, self-confidence, and intrinsic desire to learn from birth.    

Excerpt from AMS website