The Montessori community is noticeably different from classrooms in conventional schools. Children in a Montessori community learn to make choices about their school work. Choosing challenging work or activities from a variety of areas is an important life lesson. Each room is filled with permanent materials arranged in sequence from the simple to the complex. The materials are attractive to a child and invite exploration; each is designed to be self-correcting while teaching the child mastery of a single concept. Materials at the elementary level reflect the more abstract concepts and advanced requirements expected of more mature students.
The Toddler Community is designed around the basic Montessori concept of “freedom within limits.” The environment is prepared with age-appropriate materials that encourage each child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm. The equipment in the prepared environment and separate toddler playground areas, as well as the consistency of our routines, have all been carefully designed to foster the development of our youngest students. The Toddler day includes independent and small group activities that develop gross and fine motor skills, cognitive, social, and language skills. Art, music and free play round out their busy day. And, since children in this age group love to be “on the go,” ample opportunity is provided to explore the outdoor environment, engage in water activities, or just run in the sun for a part of every day.
"The first essential for the child’s development, the child who concentrates is immensely happy." - Maria Montessori
Inside this classroom you will see...
