TODDLER PROGRAM
The nature of Daycroft’s toddler environment and curriculum allows for a fluid blending within all areas of development and learning. Toddlers have what Maria Montessori calls an “absorbent mind.” They are learning about the world around them continuously through their senses and experiences and do so with little effort and great curiosity. Montessori developed many materials and methods to support children’s development, but at the heart of Montessori education is her “Cosmic Education” philosophy which encourages children to contemplate how all of life is connected. For toddlers this happens by spending ample time in nature and through open ended discussions about what children are observing in their environment.
During the first three years of life, children develop very rapidly as they learn who they are and how they relate to others and their world. Three areas that we particularly attend to in the Daycroft Toddler environment are Practical Life skills, Language Arts, and Psychosensory Motor development.
Curriculum Areas
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Practical Life
Through practical life the child learns about his culture and all about what it is to be human. Generally the activities of practical life revolve around four areas: Caring for the Self, Caring for the Environment, Grace & Courtesy and Movement of Objects.
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Language
This is involved in everything we do! Toddlers are always learning language and every interaction is an opportunity to learn vocabulary and build skills. They grow in fluency and understanding through conversation, song, and exposure to new objects, pictures, and activities, for example.
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Psycho-Sensory Motor
Children use their hands and their senses together to develop their intelligence. They construct themselves and their human characteristics. Children self-develop through direct, three-dimensional, sensorial and motor experiences.
Areas of Development During Early Childhood
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Language Development
Developing fluency, and eventually literacy, in their family language and communication
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Motor Development
Developing control, awareness and coordination of all body muscles and movements, both small and large
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Cognitive Development
Developing the connection between mind and body, problem solving, order and connections in their world
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Social-Emotional Development
Developing connections with others, beginning with immediate family members and moving towards becoming a part of a larger community. Developing a sense of self and confidence within their community
