Three Areas of Learning
The program of tuition for toddlers is comprised of three areas of learning: Movement, Practical Life, and Language (including music and art). All teaching is in English and children are exposed to a rich vocabulary of words in a variety of learning contexts: one-to-one work with the teacher, group work and songs and with each other. Children whose parents would like them to have more exposure to Thai in the classroom can work more closely with the Thai speaking assistants.
Mixed-Age Setting
Learning takes place in a mixed-age setting which helps to build a ‘child community’ where the older children act as teachers and role models to the younger ones. As in all Montessori settings, freedom and choice play a central part in creating a comfortable and pleasurable learning atmosphere in which children can learn independently while the adults observe and create activities based on each child’s interests and developmental needs.
Classroom Environment
The learning environment itself has large windows that make the room airy and flood it with natural light. The learning materials in the classroom are simply arranged and have specific purposes that fall within the three main learning areas. All materials address the various learning and developmental needs of the early learner. Learning takes place at the child’s pace and, in this environment, self-discovery plays an important part in building confidence and independence. The Toddler Community also has its own outdoor shaded work station area, vegetable garden and sensorial garden.
School Day
Being the bundles of energy they are, toddlers star their days at full-steam-ahead. In order to best utilize that energy, the Toddler Community follows a top-heavy schedule that places the majority of its Montessori focus and training in the morning. Shortly after arrival, children participate in Morning Circle and move straight into their first work period. Before their interest has a chance to wane, Snack Time is ushered in, followed by outdoor play and lunch. Each day is consistent in its routine, allowing each child to establish comfort and security, both of which encourage active, autonomous participation.
Morning Timetable
| 08:30 – 08:40 | Arrival |
|---|---|
| 08:45 – 09:00 | Morning Circle |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Work Cycle |
| 10:10 – 10:30 | Snack |
| 10:30 – 11:20 | Outdoor Play |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Lunch |
| 12:10 – 12:30 | Book Corner & Prepare for Home |
Extended Day
The afternoon session of the Toddler Community is designed to foster growth in extracurricular areas of development. Each day of the week boasts a different theme with activities specially tailored for group participation. Children are encouraged to take turns, practice sharing and work in collaborative groups and teams. Activities will be led by the Toddler Community teachers with help from members of the community.
It is highly recommended that children over the age of 28 months attend the afternoon session to better prepare them for their transition to the Children’s House. Toddlers will become comfortable with the full-day routine and will develop familiar relationships with the older children during outdoor play time. Of course, children of all ages will benefit from the activities and extended time with their peers.
Afternoon Timetable
| 12:30 – 13:00 | Outdoor Play |
|---|---|
| 13:00 – 14:20 | Nap Time & Snack |
| 14:30 – 15:15 | Group Activity |
| 15:15 – 15:30 | Prepare for Home |
Group Activities
| Monday | Music & Eurythmics |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Language & Literacy |
| Wednesday | Arts & Crafts |
| Thursday | Cooking & Baking |
| Friday | Swimming & Gymnastics |
Toddler Community Enrollment
The Toddler Community curriculum is designed to span the length of the full academic calendar (2 semesters), beginning in May of each year. This ensures full acclimitization in the classroom, builds familiarity with the Montessori materials, and establishes routine. Because of this time span, children may only enroll in the Toddler Community if they are between the ages of 17-26 months old.
