“If we observe natural development with sufficient care, we see that it can be defined as the gaining of successive levels of independence.”
Maria Montessori

Toddler teacher sitting on the floor with students

The toddler program is designed for children who are 2 years old. The program emphasizes functional independence, a thoughtful, clear approach to separation, as well as support for families and children through the toilet learning process.

The school day for toddlers is Monday through Friday from 8:15-11:15am. We intentionally set enrollment at 5 days to honor the toddlers’ developmental need for consistency. Clear and repeated expectations and learning opportunities enhance their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive learning.

Toddler student putting artificial flower in a vase

Toddler student practicing cutting food

The toddlers begin their day with a 2-hour work-cycle. Dr. Montessori’s years of observation led her to believe that the development of a child’s ability to concentrate would be best cultivated through long, uninterrupted periods of work with the Montessori materials. This cycle is followed by a group snack and playground time.

The toddler program is the children’s first opportunity to learn in a community of peers. The children contribute meaningfully to the group through activities such as preparing food and serving it to others at snack time. Most importantly, emphasis is placed on kind behavior and social language, as the children grow friendships that will stay with them throughout their time at REDS.

three toddler students sitting together

toddler students jumping

The curriculum highlights the natural curiosity of toddlerhood and honors the children’s love of movement and desire to be helpful. Formally, the curriculum in our toddler program consists of four main areas: Practical Life, Fine- & Gross-Motor, Language, and Art & Music.

Toddler Curriculum

plant iconPractical LifeOpportunities to mop, sweep, water plants, clean, and prepare food are plentiful in the toddler program. These activities develop the children’s sense of living in community. There is also a particular emphasis on functional independence, which includes a wide range of life-skills: dressing and undressing, washing hands, feeding oneself with a spoon, and many more. The toddlers and parents are guided through the toilet learning process as well.

fine & gross motor iconFine & Gross-MotorThese materials focus on refining the children’s physical abilities. Materials such as bead stringing and puzzles challenge the children’s eye-hand coordination while materials such as painting and using scissors refine the use of their hands. Specific lessons on how to balance on a balance beam or hop on one foot expand the children’s gross-motor coordination.

pencil and letters iconLanguageThe language area gives the children opportunities to expand their language skills in a variety of ways. Songs, poems, conversation, and storytelling abound in the toddler’s day. To build vocabulary, the language area emphasizes experiences with real objects so the children can attach vocabulary to sensorial experiences. For example, there may be a basket of real vegetables where the children can experience and compare the weight, texture, taste, smell, and color of a sweet potato, a head of cabbage, and a carrot!

art iconArt & MusicThe children explore art through a variety of mediums including crayons, collage, watercolor, easel painting, and clay. Furthermore, stories about the art pieces hung on the walls of the environment introduce the children to the foundations of art appreciation. Elements of music such as singing, dance, and music appreciation are an integral part of the children’s day.

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