Toddler (2-3 years old)
"...the first two years are important for ever, because in that period, one passes from being nothing into being something...These very children reveal to us the most vial need of their development, saying: "Help me to do it alone!""
Maria Montessori
The Toddler Community is a 5-day Montessori Program which caters to 2-year-old children and offers both full-day and half-day options. This nurturing environment builds a foundation for a lifetime of learning. The Toddler Community is a prepared environment specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of children, providing them with opportunities to become independent and self-sufficient. Through guidance from the adults and the abundant work arranged, children foster a love of learning, absorbing language through specific activities including daily social interactions.
The toddler children participate in activities of Practical Life to promote autonomy by caring for the indoor and outdoor environment, with a great emphasis on self-care and grace and courtesy. The materials presented cultivate the development and refinement of motor skills, enhancing eye-hand coordination as well as concentration through repetition of purposeful work. Children in this age group follow the key Montessori principle of “Help me to help myself.”
Moreover, the children actively participate in the process of dressing and undressing. This encouragement towards independence is further enhanced in the work towards toilet independence which is central in the toddler program.
Additionally, the children prepare their daily snack through various Food Preparation activities. They learn to make rolls, cornbread muffins, banana muffins, hummus, and so much more. The process of preparing their own snack encourage the children to eat enjoy a communal snack after they set the table with placemats, plates, glasses, and utensils as needed. The children use pitchers to pour their own water, as well as tongs to independently serve themselves and their peers. Through this work, the children build self-confidence and healthy social interactions.
Language is acquired in all areas of work and there is also a designated language area filled with objects, nomenclature cards, and books. The YCC applies the three-period lesson which consists of introducing the objects, recognizing the object, and finally naming the object.
The Toddler Community is geared towards freedom of choice, allowing children to become autonomous beings through the exploration of their immediate surroundings. Their positive interactions with peers, adults, and nature encourage the construction of a supportive and integrated community.
Children entering the Toddler Community DO NOT need to be toilet trained. We work with the child on this process and collaborate with parents as the children progress and become toilet trained. As the children near three years old and are toilet trained, we may potentially began the transition to the Primary Program.
The youngest members of our community enjoy the environment that is prepared specifically for them, with child-sized furniture and developmentally appropriate materials. They enjoy caring for their environment and exploring their classroom peacefully and with purpose.
As mentioned earlier, The Montessori approach for this age group follows the key principle of " Help me to help myself." Children engage in satisfying and productive work, doing everything from washing dishes to learning how to put their own shoes on their feet. These activities foster concentration, as well as the young child’s emerging sense of independence.