The Baby Steps and Toddler Programs provide a unique opportunity for parents and children to learn together in a Montessori environment, guided and supported by a trained coordinator.
Dr Maria Montessori developed her approach to education by observing children’s development during their early years. She believed that education begins at birth and that the first six years of life are critical for setting the foundation for their future learning and development. She observed that during these early years, children learn through their senses when their ability to absorb information is at its highest. These early years are therefore critical for the formation of positive attitudes towards learning.
The Montessori materials for this age are specifically designed to provide children with activities which:
-refine the senses
-promote language development
-heighten spatial awareness
-foster an understanding of mathematical concepts.
Through the Montessori practical life activities, the children will also be encouraged to develop skills, which will lead to greater independence. Baby Steps is designed for (approximately) the 8 months – 24 months child and Toddlers for 24 months – 3 year old child, accompanied by their parent/carer and are an ideal first step into the Montessori Preschool.
The Baby Steps program is conducted by Katie (Kate) Ball. Parents are usually able to quickly catch up with teachers at drop off or pick up time. However, if you require a more formal appointment, please arrange a mutually convenient time. Teachers can be contacted by phoning the school or alternatively you may wish to email them. Their email address is katie@southernmontessori.sa.edu.au. Our teachers will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible during classroom breaks. Please note, enrolment enquiries should be directed to admin@southernmontessori.sa.edu.au. Thank you.
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Baby Steps Update
The year is flying past with our youngest members of the Southern Montessori Community. We are busy this term learning about ‘Our Garden’. It gives us a great opportunity to explore a range of elements in nature, from the flowers to the insects. This week the children had the chance to look at the silk […]
Exploring in Baby Steps
We have had a very busy start to the year in the Baby Steps program at Southern Montessori. The children have explored many aspects relating the beach, such as shells, boats and fish. Many of our children at the moment are just about to take their next steps into the Toddler program. Baby Steps allows […]
Baby Steps update
Last term was very busy for the youngest members of our Montessori community. In Term 2 we had a focus on Pets. Throughout the term we had some live animals come into the Baby Steps room. We had fish, a turtle, a budgie and a cat. The children showed great care in gently handling the […]
Baby Steps
“Order is one of the needs of life which, when it is satisfied, produces a real happiness.” Maria Montessori, 1973 Dr Montessori believed that children thrive on order and structure and that children learn through their senses. In our Baby Steps classroom we foster both order in the environment and exploration through the senses. […]