Toddlers: 1 1/2- 3 Years
Montessori Toddler curriculum supports the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of each child. In the Elements Montessori toddler classroom, children are introduced to the Montessori program through a variety of hands-on activities in a prepared environment. This is the time when children use their bodies, senses, and emerging problem-solving skills to learn about and make sense of their world in the ways most meaningful and effective for them. Toddlers actively seek out information, they learn quickly and easily, and are especially interested in demonstrating independence. We allow them the freedom to learn as much as they can.
GOALS
Goals of the sub-plane (0-3)
- Development of trust in people and the environment
- Independence
- Social adaptation
- Acquisition of spoken language
- Development of memory
- Ability to think and move intentionally
- Formation of consciousness and self-awareness
- Establishment of close emotional ties with adult care-givers
- Sense of security and safety within family
- Feelings of gratitude, trust, and respect for significant adults
- Feelings of adequacy, autonomy, indepen-dence, and confidence
Objectives
- Gross Motor: climbing, running, and throwing balls
- Independencev
- Language Encouragement: conversation, storytelling, songs & fingerplays
- Cognitive: matching games, color concepts and introduction of themes
- Creative: through dramatic play, art activities: cutting, painting, gluing and sensory integration
- Senses for sight, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting.
- Self-Esteem: through positive reinforcement and encouraging self-exploration
- Independence: providing choices, self-motivation and self-help skills
- Interactive Skills: providing both large and small group activities.
- Behavior Skills: encouraging cooperation.
We assess the children based on their skill development along with their academics.
Goals of second sub-plane (3-6)
- Self-discipline and increased independence
- Knowledge of appropriate and specific Emotional prosocial behaviors
- Patience and the ability to share
- Respect for others
- Perseverance and good work habits
- Ability to choose
- Willingness to abide by rules to create social harmony
- Increased responsibility and a sense of duty
- Can listen and pay attention
- Refinement of sense perception and discrimination
- Developing sense of order and logical/linear thinking
- Sustained interest and focus, curiosity
- Internalization of symbol systems: language and math
- Pleasure in purposeful activity
- Serenity, calmness, satisfaction, emotional equilibrium
- Happiness and joy
- Love for people and things
- Warm, expressive, outgoing, optimistic personalities