Prepared Learning Environment
The prepared toddler environment provides for learning in three essential areas.
- Practical Life: Toddlers are in their sensitive period for order. The order and routines in our daily lives at home and at work show toddlers about care of themselves and of the environment. This is the foundation that supports the child’s sense of order. Care of self is the major emphasis in the toddler environment. Stand-up diapering, individual snack, and a long period of work support the child in his efforts toward this new found independence.
- Sensorial: Toddlers learn about their body and how it relates to the environment through their senses. Learning comes from experience and by moving in the environment – touching, tasting, seeing, smelling, and hearing. The classroom is set up to facilitate and encourage education of the senses. This education is very concrete; materials in the environment allow the child to explore hands-on in each of the five sense areas.
- Language: Every aspect of the toddler environment supports language development. The toddler is able to comprehend language and is looking for ways to respond verbally. In the Montessori environment, the toddler learns from the modeling and communication of adults. The adults provide opportunities for the child to develop social skills through interaction with peers and adults.
Toddler and Preschool Summer Camp
Anchorage Montessori School offers sessions for toddlers (age 19 months to 3 years) and primary (age 3-6 years) students. The sessions are held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and include time for eating lunch on daily outings. Toddler camp activities include outdoor activity, language, and self-care skills. The primary program adopts a particular subject or theme for concentration during each session, and emphasizes outdoor activities.