Infant Learning Goals
Achieving physical development milestones such as crawling, walking, climbing and jumping
Demonstrates independence skills such as self-feeding
Beginning to use one to two word phrases
Knows the names of body parts, colours, and shapes
Plays alongside others
Chooses an activity and packs it away
Explores objects in different ways
Uses simple gestures to communicate
Achieving physical development milestones such as crawling, walking, climbing and jumping
Achieving physical development milestones such as crawling, walking, climbing, and jumping is supported by providing infants with freedom to move in unobstructed spaces and engaging them in outdoor and music & movement programs, offering opportunities for exploration and practice of gross motor skills in a safe and stimulating environment, promoting physical development and motor coordination from an early age.
Demonstrates independence skills such as self-feeding
Demonstrating independence skills such as self-feeding is encouraged in infant learning through opportunities to practice these skills during the daily routine and practical life activities, such as spooning, where infants are given freedom to explore and develop self-feeding abilities, fostering autonomy and self-sufficiency from an early age.
Beginning to use one to two word phrases
Infants begin to use one to two-word phrases through exposure to the Montessori Language Curriculum and the encouragement of freedom of expression, providing opportunities for infants to engage in meaningful communication and language exploration, fostering early language development and the expression of simple thoughts and needs.
Knows the names of body parts, colours, and shapes
Knowing the names of body parts, colours, and shapes is facilitated through the use of Language Cards in infant learning, providing visual and auditory stimulation to support early language development and cognitive understanding, fostering the recognition and naming of basic concepts essential for communication and cognitive growth.
Plays alongside others
Encouraging parallel play and social exploration, infants engage in playing alongside others through freedom of interaction and movement, with open-ended play activities such as building blocks, playdough, craft, and outdoor games provided to develop motor skills and creativity in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Chooses an activity and packs it away
Facilitating independence in infants, the ability to choose an activity and pack it away is nurtured through Montessori presentations, where adults role model the process, providing visual demonstrations and guidance on selecting and tidying up materials, fostering autonomy and responsibility in daily routines.
Explores objects in different ways
Infants explore objects in various ways through the freedom to work with activities and the opportunity for repetition, allowing them to manipulate objects, experiment with different movements, and engage in sensory exploration, fostering curiosity and sensorimotor development in a supportive and unrestricted learning environment.
Uses simple gestures to communicate
Encouraging communication development in infants involves incorporating simple gestures into their interactions, facilitated by the Montessori Language Curriculum, which supports non-verbal communication through activities such as sign language or pointing, providing infants with tools to express their needs, desires, and emotions before they develop verbal language skills.
Infant Curriculum
Infant Curriculum
Early Years Learning Framework
The Montessori Curriculum and the Australian Government’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF): Belonging, Being & Becoming work together to nurture children’s potential. The EYLF incorporates five outcomes:
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Infant Curriculum
Wellbeing
Children’s happiness and wellbeing is at the core of everything we do. The Infant Curriculum nurtures children’s potential through positive, warm interactions, and collaborative partnerships with families. This includes respecting and valuing each family’s culture, beliefs, parenting style, and preferences for their child.
- Each child’s individual eating and sleeping schedule can be accommodated
- Breastfeeding and supplying expressed breastmilk is welcome
- Cloth nappies can be accommodated
- Families are supported and invited to contribute to the program
Infant Curriculum
Language
The Montessori Language Curriculum introduces infants to spoken and written language. Children use language materials to explore names, sounds, songs and music.
Example materials and activities include:
- Colour and object matching cards
- Object picture matching
- Reading
- Puppets
- Music and songs
Infant Curriculum
Movement Skills
Infants learn through movement and exploration. Learning goals for infants include healthy physical development. Through the Infant Curriculum, children develop fine motor, gross motor, and fundamental movement skills.
Example materials and activities include:
- Tummy time
- Visual mobiles
- Stair climbing
- Bead maze
- Pull toy and rolling toy
Infant Curriculum
Sensorial
The Sensorial Curriculum assists in refining the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Through sensorial materials children develop the ability to discriminate by size, colour, and texture.
Example materials and activities include:
- Imbucare object permanence boxes
- Three discs on the vertical dowel
- 3D object fitting exercise
- Sensory balls
- Puzzles
Infant Curriculum
Practical Life
The Infant Program is designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of children aged 0-2. Children learn through movement and exploration using their senses.
Example Materials
- Treasure baskets
- Fabric matching
- Spooning
- Pegging
- Nesting objects
Daily Routine Overview
The infant routine outlines the typical daily flow for children aged six weeks to two years in the Montessori infant community. The infant’s daily routine provides a consistent pattern of activities for learning time, meals, rest, and outdoor play. The predictability of the routine helps children to feel secure and positively influences their emotional, cognitive, and social development.
| 7:30am – 9am Morning | 9am- 11:30am Mid Morning | 11:30am – 12pm Lunch time | 12pm- 2pm Sleep or rest | 2pm-4:30pm Afternoon | 4:30pm-6pm Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Opens | Morning tea | Lunch time | Sleep time | Afternoon tea | Indoor activities |
| Morning Greeting | Outdoor Play | Socialising | rest time | Outdoor play | Late afternoon snack |
| Montessori Work Cycle | Group time | Clean up | Quiet activity | Pack up time | Centre closes |
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Montessori is a method of education that is personalised to each child’s learning style, stage of development, and interests. Children develop complete academic and wellbeing foundations through hands-on experience, real-world application, and problem-solving using the Montessori Method of education.
Other Programs
Montessori Academy is Australia’s leading Montessori Childcare and Early Learning Group. We deliver a Montessori Education Programs for ages 0-6 that nurtures confident, courageous, and independent learners. Join our Montessori learning community today.
2-3
Toddler Program
The Montessori Toddler Program is active, self-paced, and involves learning using all five senses. Children are introduced to the five areas of the Montessori Curriculum.
3-6
Preschool Program
The Montessori Preschool Program is a structured academics and wellbeing program that prepares children for their transition to school.
4-6
School Readiness
Our School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Program combines school-styled workbooks with practical school readiness skills to develop a positive and confident attitude towards school.
2-3
Toddler Program
The Montessori Toddler Program is active, self-paced, and involves learning using all five senses. Children are introduced to the five areas of the Montessori Curriculum.
3-6
Preschool Program
The Montessori Preschool Program is a structured academics and wellbeing program that prepares children for their transition to school.
4-6
School Readiness
Our School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Program combines school-styled workbooks with practical school readiness skills to develop a positive and confident attitude towards school.
