The Toddler Program:
The Toddler Program at Sandcastles Montessori Preschool (SMP) began in September 2008 and is licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The goal at SMP is to provide an exceptional Montessori Educational Program for young children and their families.
The Classrooms:
The toddler classrooms are smaller than the preschool classrooms to provide a stimulating environment without overwhelming the children. They are organized and clean. The atmosphere is clam and quiet while the children independently choose their work. Many creative activities are prepared for the children. The classroom has natural wood furniture, many plants, pets, and many natural wood Montessori materials. The large window offers lots of sunshine and natural lighting. The materials are challenging and age appropriate to provide the children with interesting work to build self-esteem. The teachers are warm and caring and are available to work individually with the children at their own pace. They use positive language when interacting with the children. There is a bathroom with a small toilet and sink to help with their independence. There is also a changing table for the children that are learning to use the toilet. The playground is next to the preschool playground and offers the children a sandbox, a slide, a picnic table, and a large space for gross motor development.
The Daily Schedule:
9:00 to 10:30 - Work Time, Snack Time, Bathroom Time
10:30 to 10:45 - Together Time
10:45 to 11:15 - Outside Time
11:15 to 11:30 - Story Time
The Curriculum:
Fine motor - finger plays, arts and crafts, and practical life
Gross motor - movement games/songs, balance beam, and outside play
Independence - self-care, completing a task, and concentration
Social - friendship, trust, interacting with others, and respect for others, using words to communicate feelings
Language - songs, social interactions, discussion, listening, letter sounds/names, writing names, and books
Science - seasons, dinosaurs, plants, birds, the farm, weather, insects, frogs, hatching butterflies, the solar system, hatching chicks, snakes and reptiles, nutrition, magnets, and dental care
Math - counting objects, number symbol recognition, sorting, size, colors, shapes, and patterns
Sensorial - the five senses
Practical life - pouring dry and liquid materials, spooning, painting, play dough, opening and closing materials, preparing snacks, dish washing, hand washing, gluing materials, baking, zippering, buttoning, locks, stringing beads and tools
Geography - the seven continents, the map, the globe, and animals around the world
Spanish - numbers
Specials Events:
Special Teachers (Toddlers begin in January)
Music Teacher, Ms. Ann-Marie Forer of Newport with Tunes-n-Tales
Creative Movement Teacher, Ms. Karen Sacchetti of South Kingstown
Field Trips
Biomes, Casey's Farm, Providence Children's Museum, and the URI Bay Campus.
Special Family Gatherings
Families are invited to the classroom for a December Holiday, Valentine's Day, and Graduation Day gathering.