Toddler
14 months - 2 ½ years
The Toddler-aged child needs to have the opportunity to explore movement, acquire language and develop independence in a specially prepared environment.
In Montessori, there is a strong connection between intellectual activity and physical movement. There is an emphasis on creating opportunities to pursue independent, precise motions. These form the basis for later intellectual endeavors.
Developing spoken language and learning communication skills are both critical in the toddler and preschool years of a child’s life. Vocabulary is consistently presented to the children and the adults encourage conversation, model appropriate syntax, and offer rich and precise language. Stories, songs, and poetry all support the language work in the classroom.
The young child is very sensitive to his or her surroundings, absorbing and integrating elements. The classroom and outdoors are designed and maintained with an emphasis on beauty, order and simplicity.
The child's sense of self and understanding that he or she is part of a caring community are fostered. When children begin school, they are gently introduced to the rules of community, respect for others, possessions and work of others, sharing, taking turns and embarking on their own journey toward independence.
The Toddler Program, with an AMI certified Montessori Teacher and an Assistant, serves a community of 10 to 12 children between the ages of 14 months and 2 ½ years. The children attend school five days a week. We also offer an extended-day program.
Seven Acres Montessori serves students from Toddler through 8th grade. Learn more about our education for preschool age children and beyond in our Primary, Elementary, and Middle School Programs.
"From the earliest days of life, the youngest among us are accorded with measures of commitment and esteem that echo our deepest understanding of respect."Maria Montessori
Loading from Vimeo...
" I have twenty three grandchildren and so I have visited a lot of schools here and abroad and all are quite nice but this school is my absolute favorite. There are some obvious reasons (why Montessori is so special) - wonderfully welcoming, a joyous place, a pleasure to be here. But more deeply, Montessori embodies for me the three cardinal virtue: faith, hope and charity. Faith is exemplified by the devoted staff that sees in each child an independent and responsible person capable of achievement using his or her own innate gifts. Hope abounds in this place. As you pass by all the fantastic assemblages int he corridors, inspiring projects created by the students themselves, you realize there is no limit to what they can do. And then there are the wonderful plays, concerts...you name it!
Charity is the greatest of the three virtues. Montessori students are loved and cherished for themselves so they are free to love their neighbor, to care for him, to help him. (We know that these children) are being well-educated. But beyond the "schooling" as it were, they are learning to be independent yet aware of others. Self-reliant yet able to accept help. And grounded in the three virtues, they are ready to meet and accept life's challenges." —Margaret Mullin - Seven Acres Montessori Grandma
