The Montessori Toddler programme is designed to provide structure and individualised developmental activities which develop the child’s basic belief in themselves, their urge for independence, self-esteem, confidence and the development of their concentration span. It is a stepping stone into the 3-6 year old Montessori Classroom. In the toddler programme a huge focus will be on practical life skills, these activities prepare the child for writing by refining their fine motor skills and eventually reading by instilling in them the orientation from left to right from a very young age. The sensorial materials are also very important and also used to refine the child’s development of the senses.

‘Montessori school’ starts at 3 years of age. The 3-6 year old child is undergoing a process of self-construction. The application of the Montessori philosophy and the specifically designed Montessori materials aids the child’s ability to absorb knowledge and continue this path of self-construction. The acquisition of ones own first culture is the child’s central developmental drive. The Montessori pre-school environment serves this drive abundantly, bringing the world to the child. Globes, maps, songs, landforms, collections of pictures of life in different cultures, and much more is offered, with the aim of helping the child to grow as an individual appreciating the larger context of his or her world.

Our Outdoor environment is as much a leaning space as the indoor environment. Movement is one of the most important skills and natural human tendency in the path to optimal Global development. We encourage the children to care for the outdoor environment, giving them responsibilities in the maintenance and up keep of the garden. It is where will grow vegetables and fruits that we will prepare in the Montessori Classroom and serve our friends. They will see how compost is made and that we can use it for the soil that will help grow the fruits and vegetables. The full life cycle will be on display.

At the Montessori Preschool of Sydney we feel physical activity is of utmost importance not only for the body but also the brain. Children are normally physically active when they play outdoors however we feel that a set time for some gross motor activities is essential in the global development of the child. Throughout the year a day will be assigned each week where we will have sports days such soccer classes, martial arts, gymnastics and fun circuits.

The many benefits of exercise include:

• Have stronger muscles and bones
• Improve balance and co-ordination
• Promote correct posture
• Develop fundamental movement skills
• Improve Sleep
• Improve Social Skills

There are incredible physiological benefits of learning another language. Longitudinal studies by Harvard University confirm that learning additional languages increases critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of the mind in young children. As the child at this young age has what Maria Montessori calls “An Absorbent Mind”, children at this age are better at mimicking sounds and adopting pronunciation. The brain is open to new sounds and patterns in preadolescence. Through-out the year we will introduce a language class on a set day each week.

Drama, music, dance and visual art foster creativity and imagination in young children. These activities also help young children develop their senses through exploration and discovery. It enables young children to express how they see the world and their place in it. It also helps children to express their emotions and how they are feeling. We will dedicate a specific day per week to a Creative Arts Class.

Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. A specific day will be dedicated to yoga per week.