Tour of Montessori toddler classroom - updated September 2018

Summary

In this video, Simone Davis from Jack Around a Tree Montessori provides a detailed tour of her toddler classroom, highlighting recent updates made to enhance the space for young learners. The classroom is thoughtfully organized with various activities promoting fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, art, and language development. Special attention is given to creating areas for both younger and older toddlers, including a cozy book corner, a music and movement area, and practical life activities like food preparation and flower arranging. The classroom fosters independence and creativity, with children actively involved in daily routines and explorations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The classroom is designed for toddlers aged 16 months to 3 years old, with a focus on fostering independence and fine motor skills through various activities.
• 😀 Low shelves are used throughout the classroom, allowing children to access materials and work independently.
• 😀 The space has been reorganized to create more floor space, enabling children to roll out mats and work anywhere in the room.
• 😀 Eye-hand coordination activities include puzzles, lockboxes, threading exercises, and balance beams, offering a variety of ways to practice fine motor skills.
• 😀 Art and craft activities are easily accessible, with a special area for drying paintings and various tools for cutting, gluing, and watercolor work.
• 😀 The classroom has a dedicated area for younger children and babies, with toys such as pop-up toys, grasping toys, and coin drawers to develop early motor skills.
• 😀 There is a self-care corner with a mirror, clips for blowing noses, and a felt board that is changed periodically to keep children engaged.
• 😀 A language corner is set up with thematic objects and materials like musical instruments and construction vehicles, as well as language cards and mystery bags to enhance language skills.
• 😀 There is a small, off-limits area for older children in the classroom, with advanced Montessori materials such as the Pink Tower and Cylinder Blocks.
• 😀 The classroom also includes a music and movement area, featuring a climbing wall, musical instruments, and opportunities for gross motor development through various equipment.

Q & A

What age group is the classroom designed for?

The classroom is designed for toddlers aged 16 months and older, with some children up to 3 years old who are waiting to start school at 4.

How are the materials in the classroom organized?

Materials are organized into shelves and areas for various activities, with an emphasis on low shelves so that children can independently access and engage with the materials.

What is the purpose of the blocked-off area in the classroom?

The blocked-off area is intended for the older children who are waiting to start school. It contains materials like the Pink Tower, Brown Stair, and Cylinder Blocks, which are typically for older Montessori students.

How does the classroom encourage hand-eye coordination?

The classroom features several hand-eye coordination activities, such as puzzles, lockboxes, threading activities, and a variety of materials like wooden pieces and small beads for threading.

What is the role of the art and craft area in the classroom?

The art and craft area provides opportunities for creative expression and fine motor skill development, with materials such as pencils, playdough, scissors, glue, and watercolor activities laid out for easy access.

What kinds of language materials are available in the classroom?

The language corner contains a range of materials like object-based activities, musical instruments, picture cards, and mystery bags to engage children in language development activities.

How is the book corner set up in the classroom?

The book corner is cozy, with a mat, bean bags, and a selection of Dutch and English books. It's a space where children can curl up with their parents to enjoy stories together.

What gross motor activities are available in the classroom?

The classroom offers activities like a climbing wall, a picture triangle, musical instruments, and a block corner for encouraging gross motor movements and physical exploration.

How are practical life skills incorporated into the classroom?

Practical life skills are integrated through activities like flower arranging, hand washing, food preparation, and setting the table. These activities help children develop independence and life skills.

How does the classroom promote self-care and hygiene?

The classroom includes a self-care area where children can practice blowing their noses, using a low mirror, and engaging with a felt board. Additionally, there are hand-washing activities and a designated area for cleaning.