Why Montessori for Toddlers?
Why start preschool so early?
Toddler House is a Montessori tradition. The toddler age child is like a sponge, absorbing stunning amounts of knowledge from his environment rapidly and effortlessly. Dr. Montessori identified this fertile period of cognitive development, and recognized the need for a rich, well prepared environment just for toddlers.
How do toddlers benefit?
Our rich curriculum for toddlers is especially designed to:
- foster cognitive development and speech and language development
- strengthen fine motor skills and gross motor skills
- teach practical life skills and promote independence
- promote confidence, kindness, and grace and courtesy
What makes the Toddler House classroom unique?
- A dedicated team of warm and nurturing teachers trained in early childhood development and Montessori education.
- Spacious, well designed areas where toddlers are free to explore their indoor and outdoor environments with all their senses.
- A classroom where everything is toddler-sized. Attractive learning materials are displayed on low shelves within easy reach for toddlers.
What do toddlers do at Inly?
- Toddlers learn by doing.
- Toddlers take pride in sorting, stacking and counting; matching and sequencing; scooping and pouring; cleaning and sweeping.
- Toddlers spend time outdoors every day (weather permitting); exercise is a regular part of each day.
- Toddlers sweep, clean, help prepare their own snack and learn to pour.
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Toddlers are free to choose their “work,” and work becomes a cherished activity.
- Independence
- Transitions
- How Toddlers Benefit
Independence is encouraged at a gradual pace in Toddler House.
- We believe that even very small children can be responsible for the care of themselves and their own environments.
- Watch a video of a toddler putting on his own coat using the Montessori coat flip technique.
- Diapering is a regular part of our daily routine, and toddlers help by getting their own diapers and wipes out of their cubbies. Toilet training is part of our Toddler House curriculum when your child is ready.
Our teachers devote much attention to transitions.
- Teachers help your toddler gradually separate from you so they can enjoy and benefit from our school.
- An Inly classroom feels a lot like family—and can be your child's home away from home.
- Toddlers who complete the program experience a much smoother transition to Children's House preschool at the next level.
The results of Toddler House are tangible.
- Toddlers learn language from stimulating materials and activities and learn to articulate their wants, needs, likes and dislikes.
- Self-esteem and feelings of competence develop naturally as the toddlers successfully complete their work.
- Toddlers gain an awareness of other children and learn to feel secure in the relaxed atmosphere of our school.
- Toddlers are well prepared for Children's House preschool, the next step in their Montessori education.
