Is Montessori Really for Toddlers? How We Built our Toddler Curriculum
May 01, 2019
In the traditional day care programs, the toddlers are cared for, kept safe, and allowed to socialize with fellow kids. Even at this age, they have huge potential to benefit from high-quality learning opportunities in the school. It’s here where the Montessori comes into the picture.
Why Montessori Is a Good Choice for Toddlers
The Montessori curriculum is designed to nurture 4 sensitive periods that play a crucial role in the toddler years.
Increase in coordination and control over movements and the development of fine motor skills and dexterity
Very attentive to small details and grasping tiny objects
Vocabulary explosion such as discovering grammar and building complex sentences
Noticing cause and effect relations and seeing how things are connected
Montessori Curriculum for Toddlers
The curriculum is designed in such a way that it’s responsive to the needs of toddlers.
Furniture and Materials Designed for Independent Use
Toddlers want to do things on their own, which is why Montessori designs table and chairs in ideal size and weight so that toddlers can reach and move them.
Uninterrupted Learning
When a toddler is engaged in some activity, the teachers in Montessori leave them at it without disturbing so that they get their independent learning time.
Sensorial Activities
Toddlers are fascinated by the world around them and this when they begin to develop their noticing skills.
Language Development
Montessori helps children in learning several new skills and languages. They start learning single words to sentences.
Practical Life Activities
Practical life activities help in encouraging toddlers to become independent and confident giving them opportunity to do things by themselves and also take care of things around them.
Individualized Learning Plan
The teachers keep in mind that every activity is done in a way that matches the individual child’s needs and natural rhythm of their development instead of generic learning plan for the entire classroom.
Conclusion
With Montessori, it’s never too soon to start learning and it’s a great way of preparing them to face all that will come when they reach preschool and kindergarten.
