The Montessori Toddler

The Montessori Toddler

Birth to three is the most important time in a child’s life.  Dr. Montessori said that during that time, we must free the child to go on with his task of self-creation.  And that is exactly what we do at Harbor Montessori School.  The foundation of the Toddler Program at HMS is assisting the child in self-creation.

The toddler needs to be in the business of creating himself and becoming independent from adults to fulfill his basic needs.   The toddler wants to be able to do things for himself.  To foster independence, the children are encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves.  Of course, adults stand by ready to assist if necessary, but even toddlers are capable of so much if we give them the time and patience necessary for them to accomplish tasks on their time schedule.  Toddlers at HMS are provided daily with opportunities to meet their physical, social and emotional needs independently with a minimum amount of adult intervention.  The curriculum includes activities that form the mathematical mind, activities that assist language development and lessons in grace and courtesy for social development.

The Toddler Program is multi-aged.  The younger children observe the older toddlers and are intrinsically motivated to do what they see them doing (including using the bathroom).  The older children are delighted in their newfound skills and excited to be able to help the younger children, which in turn fosters their self-esteem.

The child who completes the HMS Toddler Program will be independent and self-confident—the qualities needed to take full advantage of the HMS Primary Program.