Our Montessori based toddler curriculum supports the
physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of each child.
Toddlers strengthen, speech and language development and both fine and
gross motor skills as they explore self, family, and the world in which they live.
Aikyam Montessori Infant/Toddler Curriculum (1year to
2 1/2 years of age)
Infant/Toddler Program Benefits Our Montessori based toddler
curriculum supports the physical, cognitive, social and emotional
development of each child. Toddlers strengthen, speech and language
development and both fine and gross motor skills as they explore self,
family, and the world in which they live. The toddler program
prepares the toddler class children for preschool work by exposing
them to each area of Montessori curriculum. The toddlers learn
concentration, coordination, language skills, responsibility, and
respect all of which prepare them well for a successful transition into
preschool in Inclusive Montessori.
So What Is So Special About the Montessori Classroom?
There are four main elements that distinguish it from other traditional
classrooms:
All equipment is accessible to your child and is always available to
the child
Your child has freedom of movement both indoors and out as well
as a choice of what to do for much of the day.
Your child will have personal responsibility for their work; this
requires an awareness of the needs of others, avoiding dangerous or
hurtful actions, keeping the equipment and resources tidy, putting
things away after using them, being good role models for younger
children, developing a true social awareness.
Learning the Montessori way is, literally, learning for life.
4. Beauty and Harmony: This aspect is too often ignored by those
who focus too much on the content of learning. Montessori felt
strongly that the environment must be aesthetically pleasing to
encourage learning and concentration. Too many displays can distract
children if they are not properly related to their interests. It reflects the
manner in which the Montessori classroom is calm and activities are
self-directed.
Language Curriculum:
The most important language materials for a
toddler are the materials and experiences in the child’s environment.
Reinforcing the importance of verbal communication, speaking
clearly and supporting the child’s expanding vocabulary are a daily
process in the toddler environment. For a toddler written language is
experienced through the adult’s oral reading and story time.
These activities revolve around four areas:-
* Pre-reading Matching cards-
Vocabulary cards
Stories read aloud
Size and shape discrimination exercises
Picture-word cards Matching
Tracing objects
Tracing shapes Word Recognition
Sandpaper letters
Isolating initial sounds Pre-writing
Sandbox tracing
Daily routine
Periods of the day (morning, afternoon, evening)
Seasons Science Curriculum Science for the toddler means
activities where the child can directly observe and manipulate
physical properties. The tactile element is the key ingredient for
learning about their world. Appropriate science activities for toddlers
allow for the maximum child interaction and minimal adult
intervention. These activities make a significant contribution to the
child’s development because they foster autonomous functioning.
When children can manipulate materials and equipment and discover
on their own, they feel a great sense of mastery and positive
satisfaction which helps build their self-concepts. It is extremely
important to remember that it is the process not the product that is
important and creates learning within the child.
* Life Science -
Plant care
Animal care
Nature walks
Living v. non-living
Life cycles Physical Science
Sink and float activities
Gravity
Magnetic v. nonmagnetic
Colour mixing
Observation
Students learn to express themselves in a second language
environment that promotes confidence and creativity.
* Toddler Classes -
Body parts
Songs
Animals
Cultural Studies Curriculum:
Montessori schools presents a school-wide, cultural festivals, field trips etc.
Practical Life Curriculum:
The practical life materials and exercises are designed to contribute
to the development of both small and large motor skills and assist the
child in becoming self-efficient and independent.
* Physical skills -
Control of movement
Silence game
Walking the line Respect and care of environment
Squeezing a sponge
sweeping the floor
Pouring grains and water
Clamping clothespins
Rolling a rug
Using tools such as hammers and screwdrivers
Opening and closing jar lids
Opening and closing latches
Using a strainer, beater, whisk
Scrubbing a shell, rock, doll
Caring for animals
Recycling, Grace, courtesy, and etiquette
Greeting someone
“Please” and “Thank you”
Walking around the rug
Shaking hands Independence
Care of person
Dressing frame
Large button frame
Zipper frame
Snapping frame
Combing hair
Washing hands
Health and safety
Nutrition and food preparation Community Service
* Sensorial Activities:-
The sensorial materials are designed to simplify learning and
awareness of the environment by isolating difficulty; isolating the
senses; encouraging mastery through repetition; possessing self-correction within the material;
and presenting an attractive appearance
to the child. By working with the sensorial materials, children develop
the organization and patterning skills inherent in math and language
concepts that build upon the sensory awareness stimulated by the
sensorial materials. These materials include: Visual
Cylinder Blocks
Knobbed cylinders
Knobbles cylinders
Colouring
Matching cards to objects
Geometric solids Auditory
Visual Arts Curriculum:
The visual arts program seeks to foster creativity, problem solving,
and self-expression as it relates to each child’s level of development
from Toddler to Middle School. Art lessons use a variety of auditory,
kinaesthetic, and visual components. Students are encouraged to
experience the art process as each concept is presented utilizing a
variety of 2-D and 3-D materials to help them truly absorb and
understand the lesson’s objectives. Lessons include drawing, painting.
The Toddler curriculum focuses on the exploration of different
materials.
Music Curriculum:
The music curriculum combines individual and
group work with lessons designed to appeal to a variety of learning
styles. This directly relates to our mission of enhancing the
Montessori philosophy with other innovation methods. The music
curriculum also offers significant opportunities to build community
through our numerous performances, field trips, and group activities.
