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CURRICULUM

Infant Community

The Infant Community is where children who can walk confidently start interacting with their peers. In this age group (12 months to 2 years), children achieve surprising results in terms of communication, independence, movement, problem-solving, and social interaction. The Infant Community curriculum here at Nautilus helps our little students maximise their progress through Montessori activities that enable them to perform concrete and targeted tasks independently.

A solid foundation for movement, practical life, language, and culture

During this stage, children are unconscious creators who absorb information and sensations from the surrounding environment. That’s why preparing activities and the setting is so important. Montessori materials used in this stage have built-in error control features, enabling children to identify their mistakes and correct them on their own, fostering self-confidence. The Infant Community spaces and curriculum consist of four main areas: eye/hand coordination, practical life, language, and art.

  • The eye/hand coordination area includes activities like geometric insets and more complex ones like pouring and arranging objects based on their physical properties. These activities help children control the movement of their bodies, especially their hands, which are extensions of the brain essential for learning.

  • The practical life area focuses on daily activities like sweeping, preparing snacks, taking care of plants, cleaning windows, and arranging flowers. All young children aspire to take care of themselves independently, and our setting is designed precisely to encourage that.

  • The language area includes objects, illustrated cards, and beautiful books in English and Italian. Language comes to life every day through songs, poems, and stories. We follow each child’s interests and pay special attention to their natural inclination.

  • • Maria Montessori considered art and music vital for children’s holistic development and joyful learning. Art and music perfectly integrate into our classroom activities, allowing children to express themselves and explore their creativity. This way, they get to hone their motor and cognitive skills through practical activities like sculpting, painting, singing, and playing musical instruments. Nautilus classrooms offer engaging experiences guided by educators who nurture their artistic skills.

    Activities promoting independence and a sense of community

    Children are greeted between 8:00 and 09:00 a.m. As the name suggests, in our Infant Community, children learn they are part of a community where rules of coexistence apply, such as putting things back after use, waiting for one’s turn, or taking a nap when everyone needs peace and quiet. In any case, children are free to choose their activities, and this makes them feel accountable for their choices, encouraging them to complete their tasks. We also have rituals – for example, keeping the space tidy with the help of Montessori assistants or regular 45-minute music activities – to help children orientate themselves in time and space. Educators encourage children to engage with activities by showing them the available materials and helping establish an initial structure for their routine.
    Tutto questo avviene nella libertà di scelta da parte del bambino che, responsabilizzato dall’atto stesso di aver scelto cosa fare, porta a termine con diligenza il proprio lavoro. Vengono proposti rituali – ad esempio, mantenere un ambiente sempre in ordine, con il contributo delle assistenti Montessori o svolgere attività musicali di cicli regolari di 45 minuti – per aiutare i bambini a orientarsi nel tempo e nello spazio. Le educatrici incentivano i bambini ad approcciare l’attività, presentando loro le attrezzature disponibili, e dando una prima impostazione di organizzazione temporanea della loro routine.

      Nutrition and hygiene

      Children’s routines in the Infant Community are more coordinated than at the nursery. Meals, snacks, and naps take place at precise moments of the day. This way, children experience what it means to belong to a community where they coexist respectfully with others. In any case, we’re there to meet any physiological need; after all, we’re still talking about toddlers under 3. Children who need nappy changing or toileting are helped, while older children can access child-friendly bathrooms throughout the day. Children eat at the table in small groups with the educators.

        Discover the curriculum by age group