Toddler Program
Ages 15 months – 3 years
4 or 5 day programs available 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 or 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Before and After School care is available.
Curriculum
As Toddler Guides, we honor the unique potential that resides in each human being. We trust that the child will reveal themselves as we remove obstacles to their development, and provide for the healthy construction of their minds and bodies according to their own gifts and genetic blueprint. Therefore, it is imperative that during their sensitive periods, a Montessori prepared environment supports the realization of optimal development across all domains (physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, adaptively, and the ability to communicate well); such that each child will be able to meet the moment, and be well-suited to their time and place.
Because they are whole people, they will also want this for others.
Who they are…
During their time in the Toddler class, children develop some of their first relationships outside of home making this a very critical stage in their development. This age also finds the child starting to assert their desire for independence, and expressing their personality. Children are physically active, and intellectually curious. The FWM environment and curriculum are designed to provide warmth, welcome, and stimulation that enables this growth.
Social-Emotional Learning
During their time in the Toddler class, children develop some of their first relationships outside the home. In a nurturing environment, Toddlers learn to trust adults to guide and support them and, little by little, Toddlers learn to take care of themselves.
Toddler Language
Toddlers absorb language with extraordinary ease, and language development is a major area of growth for that age. We recognize that there is a wide range of language abilities so we carefully help children develop language through both peer interactions and teacher modeling. Your child will develop their language skills in vocabulary, articulation, and communication through conversations, activities, and modeling.
On the language shelf, you will find objects, object to object, object to photograph, photograph to photograph, and photograph to abstract picture matching.
Toddler Math
Toddlers begin to build mathematical concepts by utilizing our specially prepared materials, and exploring our specially designed environment. These materials allow your child to sort, match, count, and absorb the language of math. Specific areas of learning include the concept of numbers, number symbols, and problem-solving as well as geometric shapes, rote counting, and early concepts of measurement. Sensorial materials that help them explore, compare, contrast, and discriminate.
Toddler Peace Education
Children learn what they live.
Our Montessori environments and curricula are designed to support children in
becoming peaceful members of their community in order to educate for peace.
Peace education guides children toward developing an awareness of self, empathy, collaborative spirit, kindness, curiosity, respect and sense of justice that is required to
live in harmony with others. They also become part of a community that is
outside of their family, and begin to develop empathy as they realize that their
actions have an impact on others. Children also begin to realize that there are
classrooms, students, and teachers outside of their own.
Toddler Science
Toddlers interpret their world through movement, and by the use of their senses. We introduce them to Science through specialized lessons.
Toddler Anti-bias
Our teachers prepare the environment so that Toddlers discover differences in their community. Children’s family pictures show a variety of family structures and skin colors. Through daily interactions with one another, they explore each other’s preferences, personalities, and temperaments. A Montessori Toddler environment is rich in culture. Toddlers are exposed to diversity through books, language cards that show children from cultures from all around the world. We play music from all genres as well as music from other cultures. Families are welcomed and encouraged to share their culture, traditions, holidays, and, or activities with the class.
Toddler Music
In our classroom we sing songs, use musical instruments, dance and move to music, and practice keeping rhythm. Children also experience different types of music.
Toddler Physical Education
Our curriculum integrates movement into all activities. Toddlers also utilize specially tailored equipment in a large activity area in the classroom, and weather permitting a daily visit to the outside playground.
Toddler Practical Life
Toddlers routines and activities foster independence and self-care skills. Your child will practice dressing and undressing, caring for their environment, and caring for their personal belongings. They learn everyday skills including pouring, scooping, spreading, and cutting.
Practical Life activities have a range of benefits. Besides actually keeping things tidy, these activities allow children to develop concentration, coordination, order, and to take initiative (act independently). Large motor movements are involved with activities, such as washing a table, and building the child’s stamina in all areas. Small muscle movements are refined as the child uses their hands and fingers to spoon and transfer materials. These activities also build character, and a growing awareness of the amount of energy, and effort that goes into any task. The four areas of Practical Life are Care of the Self, Care of Others, Care of the (Indoor and Outdoor) Environment, and Grace and Courtesy. Opportunities for practical life activities, and lessons are endless, as each culture has its way of providing for the care of its people.
Toddler Visual Art
Toddlers are introduced to art materials in a carefully sequenced order, moving from simple to more complex throughout the year. Your child will be exposed to a variety of art media, tools, vocabulary, and colors. Toddlers are exposed to art culture by displaying famous artist paintings around the classroom. The children can also view some of the same paintings in age-appropriate books about art. In a Montessori classroom, we focus on the process, not the product. The children are exposed to all types of art media and tools such as crayons, easel painting, watercolors, scissors, and pasting. We explore color vocabulary, and experiment with color mixing.
Toddler Food Tasting
Food tasting is a valuable experiential learning activity for students in our Toddler program. First, it encourages sensory exploration, allowing toddlers to engage their senses and develop their sensory perception and vocabulary. Additionally, the guessing games during the tasting foster cognitive development, encouraging toddlers to think and make connections between their senses and the object being explored. Furthermore, communal food tasting promotes socialization and cooperation, allowing toddlers to develop important social skills such as taking turns. Finally, incorporating food preparation into the curriculum aligns with the Montessori philosophy of promoting independence and practical life skills. Toddlers gain a sense of accomplishment as they participate in the hands-on process of preparing their food, fostering a positive attitude towards healthy eating habits. In essence, food tasting in a Montessori toddler class provides a holistic learning experience, nurturing the physical, cognitive, and social development of young learners joyously and purposefully.