It has been established that the most learning happens in the first three years of life, the importance of which must never be underestimated. Our goal, therefore, is to nurture and raise independent, confident, and empathetic human beings.
We must not see the child, but God. We must respect the laws of creation in him.
Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori curriculum was developed with an understanding of the nature of the child as a starting point. Montessori education is not aimed, primarily, at preparing a child for the next level of schooling or for college; although, in practice, this is one of the outcomes of Montessori education. The real purpose of Montessori education is to help all children to maximally develop their potential, become fully independent and autonomous, and play an active role in their communities. Maria Montessori believed that it is only through education that we can create a better world, a world where success is not measured by wealth or status but rather by the extent to which one contributes to the betterment of society.
In addition, Montessori education teaches children to think, collaborate and discover. In other words, Montessori education prepares tomorrow’s Innovative thinkers today.
These are the reasons for the existence of Cornerstone Montessori Schools and we will not relent in our quest to make them a reality.
The first aim of the “prepared environment” is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult-Dr.
Maria Montessori
There are six curriculum areas in the toddler class. They are Cognitive, Motor, Sensory, Language, Social and Practical Life.
The toddler curriculum helps to develop pre-academic and physical skills; provide the necessary intellectual stimulation to nourish the absorbent mind of the child, foster social development, lessen emotional and behavioral problems and fulfill the needs of the child in his sensitive periods.
In the toddler class, children from 18months to 3years are grouped together to develop basic skills and familiarize themselves with the rudiments of all areas of the Montessori curriculum. This is achieved through the prepared environment designed for the age group.
Activities and materials like picture books that boost the development of language and good reading skills are provided for the children. Emphasis is on social development, character formation, developing discipline and building healthy and strong self-image. Music, dance and nursery rhymes constitute an integral part of the programme. The children also have free access to varieties of puzzles, which research has shown to be very good for brain development.
