Curiosity. Exploration. Confidence. Growing Independence. Young children are compelled to observe and explore their environment. Our toddler programs provide opportunities for observation and exploration, and encourages children’s natural sense of adventure.
Montessori In Town’s Toddler Mornings program is designed to give children ages 18 months to 36 months a warm, nurturing ‘home away from home,’ where they are supported in taking their first steps toward independence, developing their powers of speech and communication, strengthening fine and large motor skills, and learning to work and play in a beautiful, cooperative community setting.
Schedule Options for the 2019-20 School Year
Children aged 18-36 months have the following schedule options:
— 5 days a week from 8:15am until 12:00pm
— 5 days a week from 8:15am until 3:00pm
— 5 days a week from 8:15am and pick up between 3:00pm-5:30pm
The Morning Work Cycle: Time in a Toddler classroom follows the natural rhythms of home. During the morning work cycle, children may explore the many beautiful Montessori materials in the classroom or garden, receive individual or group lessons from the teacher, or participate in small group activities such as singing, dancing, story-telling, gardening, and food preparation.
Oral language development is emphasized throughout the morning as the Guide and her Assistant offer each child new vocabulary, encourage conversation, model good syntax and share stories, songs and poems.
Motor and Coordination Skills: Large motor skills, fine motor skills and coordination are enhanced by the child’s work with specially designed Montessori materials, while activities such as dancing, gardening, washing, sweeping, and sing-alongs provide opportunities for further refinement of movement.
Independence is consciously nurtured in myriad ways: children work with increasing independence as they master classroom materials; learn to put on their jackets and shoes; and take care of the classroom by sweeping, preparing food, washing, folding, gardening, scrubbing, and more. The children are also supported in toilet training and feel great pride as they learn how to take care of themselves.
Toileting: We work closely with the child and family to help foster independence in the restroom. The morning work cycle includes regular reminders to visit the restroom. It incorporates time for the child to be successful as they learn through experience.
Snack: The Montessori classroom recognizes the importance of this daily activity. Children help prepare the food, set and clear the table, and wash up the dishes – all the while acquiring new vocabulary, honing motor skills, absorbing social norms, and taking great satisfaction in their contribution to the life of the classroom.
Lunch: Children who stay until 12:00pm will stay for lunch.
The Toddler Guide determines when the child is ready to move into the Primary program.
This is typically 3 years old and once the child is mostly independent in the bathroom.