When the toddler “No” is a sign of the “Yes” that is to come
At Sandwich Montessori School, we love the “No!” attitude of toddlers and twos. That’s because it’s an assertion of autonomy that leads to a “yes” to new development opportunities like increased body control and expression of feelings. Only when children feel a sense of personal power (“I can affect things”) are they ready to move to the next critical task of realizing a sense of competence (“I can achieve things”). This is an important step out into the wider world as active learners and problem-solvers. Through competence, children develop genuine confidence and a sense of who they are in the world.
Like all of our learning environments, the Montessori learning space for toddlers at Sandwich Montessori is carefully planned to promote exploration, independence, order, and freedom of choice and movement. While it’s strategically organized with defined learning areas, it is open to allow plenty of room for social interaction and activities required for growth and development.
The toddler curriculum provides for both individual and group activities in the following areas:
Practical Life — Exercises such as pouring, sweeping, dusting, buttoning, zipping, and table setting are introduced early, providing opportunities for children to care for themselves and their environment. Lessons of grace and courtesy are practiced daily to help toddlers learn about sharing and how to be considerate of others.
Aids to Independence — These exercises help the child gain independence and develop the powers of focus and concentration, along with fine and gross motor movement.
Manipulatives — Manipulative exercises are designed to facilitate hand-eye coordination, small muscle control, and spatial relationships.
Language — Toddlerhood is a sensitive period for language. The materials in the Sandwich Montessori toddler environment evoke a variety of words, while every experience throughout the day presents opportunities for children to incorporate new vocabulary. Children learn to use words and expand their growing vocabulary to express their feelings and needs. This is also the perfect time to provide a sequenced foundation of pre-reading skills. We present literacy activities during small group time as well as individual moments in comfy reading nooks, all to encourage a love of literature.
Peace — Peace lessons give toddlers the skills to work through anger and frustration in a positive way, while encouraging tolerance, cooperation, and respect for others.
Art and Garden — Toddlers experiment with many different art mediums and are encouraged to focus on the process, not the product. In our shady outdoor spaces that are a natural extension of the classroom, children can dig, rake, climb, and practice large muscle control. Outdoor environments allow freedom to explore and express.
Spanish and Music — Children acquire new languages most naturally at this age as all languages simply contribute to their word bank. During the infant and toddler phase of brain development, music is another “language” that stimulates mathematical ability and promotes vocabulary acquisition and speaking skills. From early exposure through our Music program, music appreciation and rhythm sense develop naturally.
“We’ve had the best experience with Sandwich Montessori. Our 2 year old daughter started this summer and it has been such a nurturing, supportive, and positive environment all around.”
- Lauren Peiffer
Toddler Program Schedule
OPEN MON - FRI:
7:30am – 4:30pm
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before care: 7:30am – 8:30am
classroom programming: 8:30am – 2:30pm
after care 2:30am – 4:30am
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2-day, 3-day and 5-day Programs
If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or click here to schedule a live tour. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.
