During this important stage, children aged 1.5 to 2.5 years old experience remarkable growth in communication, independence, physical skills, problem solving, and social interactions.
In the Toddler environment, children engage with Montessori activities designed to support their problem solving skills and decision making abilities, while also providing ample opportunities for physical movement. Toddler community also offers real tools and opportunities, enabling children to undertake meaningful tasks independently. This fosters their role as valuable contributors to their community and allows them to practice tasks repeatedly to achieve mastery, which builds confidence and self esteem.
The free movement within the Toddler environment encourages social interaction among peers. Staff members foster a respectful atmosphere by treating children as adults in the making. The mixed age group plays a vital role, as older children set examples that inspire younger ones to try new skills. This approach cultivates a kind and harmonious environment.
We prioritize language development by consistently exposing toddlers to the specific vocabulary they need every day. Through engaging songs, read aloud books, and stories, your child will encounter rich vocabulary and grammar, enhancing their communication skills.
The Montessori environment is a thoughtfully prepared learning space for children designed to promote exploration and self-directed learning. It features age appropriate materials that encourage discovery and mastery of various skills. The environment is organized into distinct areas such as practical life, sensory development, mathematics, language, and culture, each offering opportunities for children to learn at their own pace. A trained Montessori teacher guides the children providing individualized support, while fostering a sense of responsibility, concentration, and respect for others and the environment.
The Primary environment features a dedicated area for “practical life” activities, where children engage in tasks such as washing tables, polishing, preparing food, and practicing skills with fasteners like zippers, buttons, buckles, and snaps.
Another section contains “sensorial materials” that enable young children to explore various sensations, including size, color, shape, texture, scent, and sound.
In the Language area, children are introduced to letters using “sandpaper letters,” allowing them to learn both the sound and shape of each letter by tracing it. As they advance, they can use these letters to “write” stories with the “movable alphabet,” even before they master holding a pencil. This process smoothly transitions into reading, and many Montessori children leave the Primary environment as proficient readers and writers.
For Mathematics, Primary aged children begin by developing a concrete understanding of the relationship between quantity and symbols with the numbers one to ten. They then progress to counting, learning the hierarchy of numbers in our decimal system up to thousands, and mastering the four basic operations.
Several materials also provide insights into the wider world. Puzzle maps are a popular resource that helps children learn the names and locations of countries globally. Additionally, collections of pictures and artifacts offer introductions to plants, animals, art, and various cultures from around the world.
By integrating sports into the Primary environment, Montessori programs aim to develop not only physical skills but also social, emotional, and cognitive growth in children. Some key aspects are movement, coordination, teamwork, collaboration, self discipline, respect, variety of activities, focus on fun and enjoyment, adaptability and connection to nature.
After school care provides a safe and nurturing environment for children once their school day ends. Typically designed for children in primary through lower elementary school, these programs often include various activities that promote social interaction, creativity, and exploration. After school care can be an excellent way for children to unwind, explore new interests, and engage with peers in a supportive environment.