Allowing independence at this young age may seem daunting to most parents, but it is the foundational step towards building self-confidence. We strive to nurture and grow life skills that will benefit them for years to come.
The pride Toddlers gain in the completion of simple activities lead to a natural desire to learn new skills and complete more advanced and challenging tasks. We begin this guidance through encouragement to practice simple tasks of putting on their jackets, carrying their lesson trays, putting away activities, setting up their meal spaces, and trying any new activity without hesitation.
Most toddlers learn to walk as early as 10 months through 14 months of age; yet walking is just the beginning. Their physical development involves providing opportunities for Toddlers to be active and interactive; to develop their co-ordination, control, and gross motor skills. Balance is one of the key components to gross motor movements as well as running, jumping, hopping, skipping, walking in line, including climbing play equipment and participating in nature walks.
While Toddlers develop motor functions very early in life, it continues to progress as they age. During this period, we focus on expanding and refining grasping and holding skills. Activities for refinement of manipulative skills, eye- hand coordination, flexibility of the wrist, lightness of touch and careful handling of objects and materials that progress to more challenging fine motor accomplishments as they advance in age and prepares them for future writing.
Involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skill in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations. On average Toddlers comprehend far more than using words to express their needs. Our Toddler caregivers work with children who are at varying degrees of speech. They encourage the use of new vocabulary; learning words used for daily items, foods, animals, colors, fruits , vegetables, and objects in their surroundings. They also use interactive activities using pictures/objects, songs, music, stories to enhance each child’s language skills.
Montessori Academy of Virginia