Nido “nest” Montessori

Our Montessori curriculum for infants, referred to as the "Nido" (Italian for "nest"), is designed to foster the natural development of the child in a nurturing and carefully prepared environment. Here's a breakdown of what our infant Montessori curriculum looks like:

1. Movement and Physical Development:

   - Soft mats and low, safe climbing structures to encourage gross motor development.

   - Objects for the infant to grasp, hold, and explore to promote fine motor skills.

   - Opportunities for tummy time and freedom of movement to encourage physical development.

2. Sensorial Development:

   - Mobiles and other simple, aesthetically pleasing materials to stimulate the infant's senses.

   - Textured objects and materials for the infant to explore through touch.

   - Simple musical instruments and soft, soothing sounds to engage the auditory senses.

3. Language Development:

   - Reading books with simple, engaging pictures and few words to introduce language and concepts.

   - Vocal interaction and conversation with caregivers to encourage language acquisition.

   - Simple, clear language used by caregivers to communicate with the infants.

4. Care of Self and Environment:

   - Low shelves with a few carefully chosen objects for the infant to explore and manipulate.

   - Carefully prepared areas for feeding, diapering, and resting to promote independence and order.

   - Caregivers demonstrating gentle and respectful care of the environment and modeling care for oneself.

5. Social and Emotional Development:

   - Opportunities for one-on-one interaction with caregivers to build trust and security.

   - Encouragement of independence through self-directed exploration and movement.

   - Gentle guidance and support for the infant's social and emotional needs.

6. Outdoor and Nature Exploration:

   - Time spent outdoors in a safe, natural environment to experience the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

   - Opportunities for sensory exploration such as feeling grass, leaves, and flowers.

   - Simple nature-themed materials and activities to engage the infant's natural curiosity.

It's important to note that the Montessori approach emphasizes individualized learning and respects the unique developmental pace of each child. This example provides a general overview of what an infant Montessori curriculum might entail, but specific activities and materials can vary based on the needs and interests of the individual child.