Montessori Toddler student working on the knobbed cylinder block activity. The purpose of this activity is to help develop the child’s visual perception of dimension and coordination of movement, as well as strengthen the child's fingers for writing.

Montessori Toddler student working on the knobbed cylinder block activity. The purpose of this activity is to help develop the child’s visual perception of dimension and coordination of movement, as well as strengthen the child's fingers for writing.

When you walk into our Toddler Classroom (ages 15 months to 3 years) you will see a warm environment configured to allow our youngest students the ability to explore and exercise mind and body. Our Toddler program utilizes smaller version of the mats, trays and materials used by Montessori Pre-school and Kindergarten classrooms.

We will constantly work with children on social and emotional skills, or “Grace and Courtesy” as Montessori calls it. Good manners, respect, kind and gentle social interactions. These are the overriding needs of the Toddler and the main reasons most parents choose to place their child in our classroom.

Apart from “Grace and Courtesy,” our most important work with Toddlers is language development. We use sign language and lots of songs to reinforce our speech and actions, and then we listen and observe carefully, as they reply in their own way. Conversations are encouraged, both with the teachers and their friends. Respect is shown to those who make comments and observations, show that they care for each other, or ask to do something. We watch their confidence grow and their frustration decrease dramatically as their speech improves.

Reading, another aspect of language work, is really about fostering a love of books and a gentle respect for them, at this stage. Stories are usually read one on one and are a cozy, relaxing time. However, we encourage the child to look, question, comment and recite the story, too. We even work on pre-writing skills in the toddler room! Our triangular shaped crayons help the children to work on their “pencil grip,” necessary for writing and drawing more extensively, later.

With us your children will also start to learn basic math, science and art skills through a series of lessons that will have them learning and playing all day.

Please click here for information on our toddler program pricing. If you are interested in registering your child, please call the school at (603) 352-4052 to speak with someone and arrange for a tour. 

The Keene Montessori School is a licensed childcare provider and is registered as a provider with the NH Department of Family Services. For additional information on this and other financial options please contact us.