In our toddler group a child's primary motor coordination, independence and language are cultivated. Rather than a classroom, it is a nurturing environment where very young children experience their first structured contact with other children.
The practical life area is particularly emphasized as the activities in this area give children the chance to develop skills to care for themselves and their environment in the following areas: Control of Movement, and Grace and Courtesy. Practical life activities are simple and can be accomplished by each child. They offer repetitive cycles, which help the child establish patterns of order and sequencing. Due the fact that these are very real activities, each child becomes grounded in reality. Building the child's self-esteem is the ultimate goal and this is accomplished through repeated successes with these activities.
Through song and dance, and freedom of choice, the toddlers have access to a variety of large muscle activities that offer them opportunities to jump, climb, balance, crawl, or skip. These exercises as well as creative art activities are offered for each child to choose. This freedom in a safe space is crucial to the toddler program; however it is always tempered by two important limits that will be beneficial for a lifetime, respect for others and respect for the environment.