Toddlers are aficionados of exploration. They are the most natural and pure scientists of our world, with innate and boundless curiosity (and energy!) Maria Montessori made an excellent point in declaring the First Plane (ages 0-6) as the period of most rapid growth in the human life span. Indeed, watching the world through a toddler’s eyes is a magical experience.
Toddlers have the instinctive need to exercise their independent spirits. Our prepared environment is designed with this Montessori philosophy in mind. This environment encourages and supports the practice of the toddlers’ independence and exploration of the world. This, in turn, supports cognitive and language development, gross motor skills, as well as grace and courtesy.
Playing with an independent spirit helps toddlers develop and grow in their self-reliance. Our guides (Montessori-certified teachers) are trained to put into effect the Montessori-designed curriculum, including daily routines that are common in a toddler household. These daily routines include activities such as setting the table, cleaning dishes, washing windows, taking shoes off and on, washing hands, practicing toilet learning, and interaction with age-appropriate learning materials.
At the toddler age level, children have what is called a “Sensitive Period” in Montessori pedagogy for the acquisition of language. This continues into the Primary ages. This is a time when the mind readily absorbs the skills that come with learning about language, when the mind is most open and receptive to building this skill.
The toddler guide directs the toddlers to materials and activities as new learning needs develop. When the toddler begins to show signs of readiness for the primary environment, the process of transitioning may begin. During this time, the parents and the guide will discuss how the transition process will occur. The guides will begin the transition process when the toddlers are ready to begin their next journey to the primary program.
Our toddler staff is dedicated to providing a calm, caring, and consistent environment for our curious and growing toddlers. The prepared environment in the Toddler Casa is cared for by all of our Toddler staff, reflecting the core Montessori philosophies of respect and harmony.
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