Montessori Toddler Curriculum
Language
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.
Pre-reading:
-Matching cards and materials
-Vocabulary cards
-Stories read aloud
-Size and shape discrimination exercises
-Picture-word cards
Word recognition:
-Sandpaper letters
-Isolating initial sounds
Pre-writing:
-Sandbox finger tracing
Math
Maria Montessori believed that a child's mind is mathematical. They naturally progress from concrete ideas to the abstract.
Counting activities (1-10, and higher number concepts)
-Counting songs
-Counting fingers, animals, children, objects in the environment, etc.
-Spindles boxes
-Sandpaper numerals
-Numeral sandbox tracing
Concept of Time:
-Daily routine
-Periods of the day (morning, afternoon, evening)
-Seasons
Science
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.
Physical Science:
-Sink and float activities
-Gravity
-Magnetic v. nonmagnetic
-Color mixing
-Weight/balance
Life Science:
Plant care
-Nature walks
-Living v. nonliving
-Life cycles
Earth Science:
-Water properties
-Weather/seasons
-Oceans
-Rocks
Practical Life
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 simple tools
-Opening and closing jar lids
-Opening and closing latches
-Using a strainer, beater, whisk
-Scrubbing a shell, rock, doll
Grace, courtesy, and etiquette:
-Greeting someone
-"Please" and "Thank you"
-Walking around the rug
-Shaking hands
Independence:
- Care of person
-Large button frame
-Zipper frame
-Snapping frames
Hook and Eye frame:
-Velcro Frame
-Hanging up coat
-Combing hair
-Washing hands
-Health and safety
-Nutrition and food preparation
SensorialThis consists of lessons and materials that educate and refine the child's senses. Here are examples of sensory materials found in Montessori Toddler classrooms.
Visual:
-Pink tower
-Knobbed cylinders
-Broad stair
-Knobless cylinders
-Color tablets box 1 and 2
-Binomial cube Tactile
-Touch boards
-Fabric-extreme texturesAuditory
-Sound cylinder
Music
Music offers significant opportunities to build community and appeal to a variety of learning styles.
Toddler Classes:
-Repetitive songs
-Echo songs
-Singing in unison
-Rhythm Sticks
-Musical Instruments
Movement Arts
Gross motor movements are used to teach language and math concepts or just for fun. The ultimate goal of incorporating movement is to assist children along the path to lifetime physical fitness, positive body image, improved overall self-esteem, and increased energy and concentration.
Toddler Classes: Rolling, jumping, bending, stretching, action songs, and free play.