N E S T  :  Nurturing Environment Specialized for Toddlers

( 0 – 3 years )

The organization of the “nest” responds to this vital principle and fosters the child’s fulfillment  to acquire awareness of his own capabilities, to gradually discover the use of his hands, to give reassurance and coordination in movement and therefore increased independence.

Fields of interest at this age are largely focused on “practical everyday life” such as: personal care:  washing yourself, dressing yourself, buttoning-up;  respect for your environment: cleaning,  sweeping and dusting, pouring-out and filling-up, flattening out, washing, peeling, squeezing, setting the table …..This is the age when the child improves his sensorial experiences which are stimulated through a wide variety of practical activities using specific materials which are arranged and available on low-shelving units within easy reach for the child to take and put away after use.

A child wants to do things himself – be independent and  in view of this, the children are free to choose activities that capture and stimulate their interest. During the course of the day there are times when the children do things together :  eat lunch, sing songs, listen to a story being told by the teacher, talk  to each other, play in the garden or in the gym and then, when tired, everyone has a rest and goes  to bed.