Practical Life Experiences

 

Care of the Environment, Care of the Self, Grace and Courtesy are emphasized in this area. Children take part in everyday activities such as food preparation, sweeping and mopping, tying shoes and setting a table. They develop concentration, coordination and a sense of order.

 

 

Sensory Awareness

 

All learning takes place through the senses. Maria Montessori emphasized the use of many senses in each exercise. Tactile and olfactory discrimination along with auditory and visual perception are learned through manipulative exercises.

 

 

Mathematics

 

Dr. Maria Montessori develops the “Mathematical” or “Scientific” mind by using concrete objects from the real word. The design of the materials encourages repetition which enhances learning. The children are introduced to the concept of numbers, the decimal system, linear and skip counting, addition, multiplication and subtraction.

 

 

Language

 

Maria Montessori believed that writing preceded reading in a child’s development. Many exercises are provided to teach pencil control and beginning handwriting. A phonetic approach is used to learn sounds through Sandpaper Letters, objects and pictures. Word composition and writing begin with the Moveable Alphabet.

 

 

Geography

 

Children begin learning about the world with the globe. They continue studying the continents, countries, and flags of the world. Map making is a big part of our program.

 

 

Creative Arts

 

Our program allows the children to express themselves through a variety of creative arts including: storytelling, puppetry, plays, show and tell, cooking and arts and crafts. Singing and dancing are also a part of their daily experiences.

 

 

Science

 

A child has a natural desire to explore what they see. We provide various opportunities for the children to study and observe their environment, i.e. gardening, nature walks and the care of animals.

 

 

Movement

 

Children learn through movement. Outdoor play encourages the development of muscle coordination and motor skills. Gymnastic instruction, balance beam, tumbling and dance, will be part of the program.