Why Montessori Toddler?

"Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand" - Chinese proverb

        Our Montessori Toddler House curriculum supports the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of each child. Toddlers strengthen speech and language development and both fine and gross motor skills as they explore self, family, and the world in which they live. Children are introduced to the Montessori program through a variety of hands-on activities in a prepared environment.

        The Toddler House program prepares the children for preschool work by exposing them to each area of the Toddler Montessori curriculum. The toddlers learn concentration, coordination, language skills, responsibility, and respect all of which prepare them well for a successful transition into preschool and Kindergarten in The Primary Children's House.

LANGUAGE: the classroom is given through materials and experiences in the child's environment. Reinforcing the importance of verbal communication, speaking clearly, and supporting the child's expanding vocabulary are daily processes in the toddler environment. For the toddler, written language is experienced through naming cards, stories, fingerplays, singing, and spontaneous conversation time which encourages both social and language skills.

PRACTICAL LIFE: The practical life materials are designed to contribute to the development of both small and large motor skills and assist the child in becoming self-efficient and independent. Practical life activities encourage the child to take care of the environment with size-appropriate tools. The children care for the outside environment through gardening activities and for the inside environment through dusting, mopping, sweeping, and washing dishes. The toddler is also directed to take care of himself by washing hands, hanging up clothing, managing personal items, and toileting.

SENSORIAL/MANIPULATIVES: These materials help the toddler develop his senses and refine his movements.

COGNITIVE SKILLS: The toddler is encouraged to explore books and perform various jobs that ultimately increase his ability to concentrate and work independently while creating foundations for learning.

MOTOR SKILLS: The toddler is refining both fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are heightened through practical life activities such as pouring, sorting, etc. Gross motor skills are heightened in physical activities like rhythm/music movement and outdoor play.

-Our Toddler Teachers