Defining the Toddler

Toddlers are natural explorers. In this developmental stage, they show interest in everything in their environment and want to examine and investigate every detail they find. They are developing both their fine and gross motor skills, loving to climb, run, balance and move things, as well as pick up small objects and work to put things together or draw.

Speech and language development

Toddlers are fascinated by words and names, and begin to pick up new words with remarkable speed. They are learning to listen to others and form their own sentences to get their needs met. 

Social development, cognitive development, fine and gross motor skills

Toddlers form very strong attachments to those they love and are interested in playing near other children. Toddlers are learning about their own feelings and empathy for others. In their eagerness to learn they become frustrated when prevented in anyway from continuing their exploration.

Toddlers and early childhood development

Dr. Montessori referred to this stage of development as the period of the Unconscious Absorbent Mind. The toddler at this age, is like a sponge, absorbing stunning amounts of knowledge from his environment rapidly and effortlessly. Further, Dr. Montessori observed that children pass through Sensitive Periods, a developmental time during which it is easier and more natural for a child to learn certain skills.

Inly's developmental approach to the toddler

The Inly Toddler House program is created to facilitate this growth and learning. At this age, the classroom environment and the curriculum are designed to foster independence, self-discovery, socialization, natural curiosity, and exploration. At Inly, our Toddler environment is filled with inviting materials, child-sized furniture and loving and skilled teachers, creating a place in which each child’s natural abilities can unfold.