Curriculum Objectives

The Montessori 2-year old Program at Green Hedges primarily focuses on developing independence, fine-tuning gross and fine motor skills, enhancing social skills, practicing Grace and Courtesy, and developing positive interactions with others for our youngest learners. There is so much development that happens at this age and our Montessori program provides a nurturing and safe environment in which to do so. In addition, other objectives of the program include:

Practical Life

Practical life activities encourage the child to take care of the environment with size-appropriate tools. The children care for both the outside and inside environment. Our 2-year-olds are also directed to take care of themselves by washing hands, hanging up jackets, managing personal items, and toileting.

Specific Objectives for Practical Life

• Respect and care for self and others
• Care for the indoor environment (examples: mopping and dusting)
• Care for the outdoor environment (example: raking leaves)
• Food preparation (example: peeling mandarins)

Manipulatives

Manipulatives are activities in which the children practice hand-eye coordination, using the hands as an instrument for the mind, and refining their fine motor skills in preparation for writing.

Language Skills

Language skills are developing at a rapid rate during the early years. Naming cards and letter sounds introduce foundations for alphabet and language. Stories, finger plays, singing, and spontaneous conversation encourage both social and language skills.

Art

The 2-year-old is able to use various materials such as watercolors and pastels to express creativity and to enhance fine motor skills. 

Grace and Courtesy

The child’s social development is formed through interactions with people in the environment. By modeling care and respect for others, positive behavior, and polite manners, values are instilled in the child. Social skills particular to gift-giving are introduced and coordinated with traditional holidays.

Music and Movement

Music and movement provide the 2-year-old an opportunity for physical development, listening, and creativity. Music and movement give the child an opportunity to get up and move!

Motor Skills

The 2-year-old is refining both fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are heightened through activities such as bead stringing, using scissors, pouring, sorting, etc. Gross motor skills are heightened in physical activities such as music, movement, and daily opportunities for outdoor play.