Toddlers are naturally motivated to learn about life. They are curious, hands on, explorers. Montessori understands and nurtures all the natural urges and drives of the toddler. We provide gentle guidance and carefully designed environments where each child can learn and grow.
From being able to get their own glass of water and wash their dishes, to drawing and painting, singing and dancing, puzzles and beads – each of the over 50 activities in the room is carefully designed to meet the needs of the toddler’s development.
Trust and a sense of safety and confidence are the foundation for all learning. Every part of the program is important – from the physical arrangement and the details of each activity to the emotional climate and groundwork of deep respect. The nature of the classroom environment provides the child a strong base from which to thrive and grow in all areas of learning and life.
In a typical session, after arriving and hanging up their bag, most of the time is spent choosing activities to work with from the shelves, engaging in one thing at a time and then returning it to the shelf. Many activities are introduced or ‘presented’ to the child by the teacher on an individual basis. We have our snack time in the middle of the session where we sit at the table to eat and drink. We have some music and movement in the last 15-20 minutes of the session. Then it’s time to go home again. This two hour ‘work cycle’ is perfect for the toddler to develop their concentration, independence, skills, understandings, connections, language, trust confidence and everything else they need to be themselves in the world.
Enrolment Information
Children attend two sessions per week. Each session is 2 hours long. (Total of 4 hours a week).
Beginning in our classroom starts with a meeting of one or both parents and child in the room with the teacher, outside of class time. This is so everyone gets the opportunity to meet each other and get acquainted with the classroom before the child’s first session. We usually then have two short sessions before the child stays for the full 2 hours when they show they are comfortable. Once the child turns 3 and is ready to move up, there is an individualised transition to one of our Cycle One (3-6 year old) classrooms.
