Toddler Environment
Help me help myself” is a guiding principle of Maria Montessori, and we embrace this philosophy at Connections ELCC Toddler program. We believe in fostering independence in children, an essential aspect of our program, alongside a comprehensive introduction to academic materials.
Maria Montessori focused on the “Needs and Tendencies” of man while forming her Montessori pedagogy and believed that if a child’s environment meets the ability to carry out these human needs and tendencies – they will be more successful and productive as citizens.
Five primary Needs and Tendencies that Connections Toddler classrooms meet are:
1. Order –We understand that children need both internal and external order to thrive. We are committed to creating a nurturing and consistent environment for toddlers, where their materials, furniture, and familiar teachers remain constant throughout the school year. We believe this stability is essential for instilling a strong sense of security and confidence in the children and families in our care.
2. Manipulation—Like infants, toddlers must be able to explore and manipulate their environment. ‘Manus means “hands” in Latin, and this definition gives us more perspective on the word “manipulation”—we have to hold objects to understand them.
3. Precision, or exactness, is a crucial aspect of our program. To achieve precision, we believe in the power of repetition. Our two-to-three-hour uninterrupted period, known as the Work Cycle, is dedicated to this. Every morning, students are presented with personalized lessons using didactic materials and are given ample opportunity to practice. This individualized approach ensures that the specific needs of each child are
addressed, instilling a strong sense of reassurance and confidence throughout our program.
4. Communication is not just a skill we teach but a key to understanding and connection. From the earliest stages of life, we communicate with each other. Infants express their needs through cues, and toddlers continue this communication journey through sign language and the introduction of foreign languages. Our daily foreign language enrichment program and grace and courtesy lessons are designed to encourage
developing language skills and communicating effectively in a diverse environment.
5. Exploration—Toddlers have plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings. They are not required to ask for permission to use the restroom, have a snack, or speak in Connections Classrooms. Children receive guidance on how to carry out these daily activities and are treated with the utmost respect and kindness as they learn to do them correctly. This approach is aimed at ensuring that children are not just cared for but truly valued and respected in the program.