Bellevue Campus Only
At Mango Montessori, our Prep Toddler Program is thoughtfully designed for children ages 2 to 3—a stage filled with rapid growth, sensitive periods, and a blossoming desire for independence. Rooted in the authentic Montessori philosophy, this program is much more than a gentle introduction to school—it’s the beginning of a lifelong love for learning, built on trust, respect, and joyful exploration.
In a calm, nurturing, and home-like environment, our trained and caring teachers have created a space that supports the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. The classroom is intentionally arranged to encourage focus, independence, and meaningful hands-on experiences.
Using carefully chosen materials, children strengthen their language development, refine motor skills, and begin to make sense of the world around them. The activities are regularly refreshed to reflect the children’s growing interests and developmental needs, making each day a new opportunity to learn and thrive.
Toddler Curriculum
Practical Life & Independence
At Mango Montessori, we recognize that toddlers thrive when given the opportunity to say, “I can do it myself!” Our Practical Life curriculum is designed to nurture this growing independence through hands-on activities rooted in daily life.
Children engage in purposeful tasks such as:
- Pouring water with a child-sized pitcher
- Spooning dry grains between bowls
- Buttoning and zipping using dressing frames
- Washing tables, sweeping, and watering plants
- Food preparation and flower arranging
- Practicing self-care: dressing, grooming, and using the toilet independently
These activities are more than just routines—they lay the foundation for concentration, coordination, and confidence. By working with small tools and performing careful movements, children naturally develop the hand strength and fine motor control needed for a proper pencil grip, setting the stage for successful writing in the future.
Mathematics
At Mango Montessori, math comes alive through real-life, hands-on experiences. Toddlers begin to understand numbers and patterns in joyful, practical ways—long before formal math is introduced.
From pouring water and setting the table to stacking blocks and sorting colors, children explore concepts like size, order, volume, and one-to-one correspondence naturally.
Some favorite math activities include:
- Matching number symbols with objects
- Sorting by size, shape, or color
- Sequencing from smallest to largest
- Exploring shapes with puzzles and Sensorial materials
These activities create a strong foundation for mathematical thinking in a way that is joyful, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate.
Sensorial Exploration
The toddler learns through the senses—touching, seeing, smelling, hearing, and tasting. Montessori Sensorial materials are designed to refine perception and help children classify the many impressions they receive from their environment.
Children engage in:
- Sorting color tablets and identifying shades
- Comparing textures such as rough, smooth, soft, and bumpy
- Distinguishing sounds using sound cylinders
- Identifying and naming geometric solids
- Exploring and comparing different scents with scent bottles
This sensorial work supports concentration, memory, and the ability to observe and compare—all essential skills for academic and life success.
Language Development
Language in the Montessori classroom is absorbed through rich conversation, storytelling, songs, and precise vocabulary. The adult acts as a careful and respectful language model.
Language experiences include:
- Picture-object matching with real vocabulary
- Classified language cards (animals, tools, foods, etc.)
- Three-period lessons to introduce and reinforce new words
- Group storytelling, fingerplays, and singing
- Daily conversation and responsive listening
Many parents observe significant growth in their child’s vocabulary and ability to express themselves after just a few months in the program.
Art & Music
Art and music are natural expressions of the toddler’s inner world. In our Montessori environment, these experiences are process-based, open-ended, and accessible.
Children participate in:
- Brush painting and finger painting
- Gluing, stamping, and collage work
- Sculpting with play dough and clay
- Singing songs and seasonal rhymes
- Exploring rhythm with simple percussion instruments
These activities support fine motor coordination, creativity, and joyful self-expression.
Early Science & Discovery
Toddlers are curious observers and natural scientists. We foster this curiosity through hands-on experiences that introduce basic scientific ideas in a playful and tangible way.
Explorations may include:
- Floating and sinking experiments
- Observing magnets and how they attract
- Planting seeds and watching them grow
- Mixing colors to create new shades
- Exploring animal life through books and models
These early discoveries help children make connections and develop a love for learning about the world.
Movement & Coordination
Movement is essential to learning at this age. Our classroom and outdoor environments allow for safe, purposeful movement that strengthens both gross and fine motor skills.
Movement activities include:
- Carrying trays and pouring materials with control
- Rolling rugs and walking on a line to develop balance
- Threading beads and using tongs to build finger strength
- Outdoor climbing, balancing, and exploring natural surfaces
- Moving with music, rhythm, and coordination games
Freedom of movement allows the child to develop not only physical coordination but also independence and self-regulation.
Social & Emotional Development
At this age, children are just beginning to navigate relationships and understand their emotions. Our prepared environment offers consistency, respect, and gentle guidance to support this sensitive development.
Social-emotional support includes:
- Grace and courtesy lessons (e.g., how to greet, wait, or offer help)
- Opportunities for turn-taking and shared work
- Learning to express feelings with words
- Clear routines that provide security and predictability
- Modeling empathy, kindness, and problem-solving
Children begin to develop self-awareness, empathy for others, and the tools to become peaceful, confident members of a community.
Prepared Environment
Our Montessori Prep classroom is carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of toddlers. The environment is beautiful, orderly, and scaled to the child’s perspective.
- Low shelves with purposeful, hands-on materials
- Child-sized furniture and tools to encourage independence
- A screen-free setting that supports focus and engagement
- Direct access to outdoor areas with gardens and natural elements
- A calm, inviting atmosphere that promotes concentration and joy in work
Every detail is intentional designed to support exploration, choice, and confidence.
Program Details
- Designed for children ages 2 to 3 years
- Half-day and full-day options available
- A gentle, phased-in transition process supports each child’s readiness
- Low teacher-child ratio ensures close observation and individualized support
- Led by experienced Montessori-trained educators
- Offered exclusively at our Bellevue campus
Key Experiences That Set Us Apart
- Positive Toilet Learning: Our team works closely with families to support toilet learning in a respectful, stress-free way. Most children transition out of diapers within a few weeks of consistent guidance.
- Fewer Power Struggles at Home: As toddlers gain independence and confidence at school, everyday routines at home—like getting dressed or transitioning between activities—often become more peaceful.
- Language Flourishes: Many families report a rapid increase in vocabulary and expressive communication, leading to fewer tantrums and more meaningful connections.
The Montessori Prep Program at Mango Montessori is a gift to your child’s early years—an environment where curiosity is honored, independence is supported, and every experience is a step toward lifelong learning.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our Bellevue Toddler Montessori Prep Program.