Toddler Program

The Practical Life curriculum plays an enormous role in the Toddler learning environment. Many of the exercises are comprised of child-sized versions of everyday objects, which can often be found in the home, and are intended to support the development of autonomy and independence.

Children learn to engage with their environment and community through lessons in Grace and Courtesy, Food as Education, Care of the Person, and Care of the Environment. Child-directed artistic experiences are also offered, which not only serve as a creative outlet, but also support the development of fine motor skills. Working with the Practical Life exercises prepares the child indirectly for success in all other areas of their learning by building concentration, coordination, and a sense of order. Through their engagement with the materials of this curriculum, they also build self-confidence as well as a sense of purpose and belonging through the progression of their independent skills.

As they develop their autonomy and sense of self, it is important for children to acquire the skills that will allow them to express themselves and communicate effectively with others. Children at this stage of development are intently listening to, observing, and interested in the language that surrounds them. It is therefore imperative that the learning environment be rich in valuable opportunities for language acquisition.

While the development of language skills is incorporated into all components of the day, the specific lessons of the Language curriculum are introduced through object and picture recognition, conversations, stories, and songs. The children are also introduced to preliminary Mathematical vocabulary and counting, as well as French during group activities through the use of visual aids, physical gestures, songs, and short stories.

Facilitating and guiding the development of independence is the cornerstone of Toddler Montessori pedagogy and is supported by the materials and learning experiences offered in all curriculum areas. During this stage of development, children are rapidly learning to further assert their autonomy and discover their sense of self. Through engagement in a physically accessible learning environment, rich in motives for independent exploration, children gain confidence in their individual capabilities.

To enhance the development of cognitive and social skills, an essential part of the Toddler curriculum includes establishing toilet independence as well as learning to eat and dress independently. Through this type of purposeful activity, toddlers acquire the skills, motivation, confidence, and trust required for ongoing success throughout their learning journey and in all other areas of life.

The primary purpose of the materials from the Toddler Sensorial curriculum is to encourage the development and refinement of the senses. While working with the Sensorial material, children naturally acquire the skills to observe, compare, explore, and make decisions based on their observations and experiences.

Catering to children’s innate sense and need for order, the Sensorial materials are simple and precise by design. Many exercises from this curriculum contain a self-corrective component allowing children the freedom to experiment and correct their own inaccuracies, further promoting the development of their confidence and independence. Additionally, they provide ample opportunity for the enrichment of vocabulary and serve as an introduction to mathematical and geometric concepts.

Freedom of movement is an essential component of early childhood development and is therefore integrated into all aspects of the Toddler Montessori curriculum. Classroom spaces are arranged specifically to encourage movement throughout each part of the daily routine. A wide variety of carefully planned exercises intentionally promote the practice of specific movements, and are available both in the classroom as well as on the playground.

In addition to the development of balance, strength, and coordination, incorporating movement supports cognitive development, as well as physical awareness, self-regulation, and child-led social interaction. It also helps to strengthen the connection between the body, the mind, and the senses. Materials and experiences, which encourage the development of both fine and gross motor skills, are available to children throughout each day and can be practiced individually or in group settings.