CLASSROOM
The Montessori approach to education for children 3-6 years of age encompasses a wide range of experiences to help each child's physical, intellectual and social development. The children are given the opportunity to engage in spontaneous, meaningful activities at their own pace and rhythm, with the guidance of a trained adult. This is facilitated through the use fo educational materials in the following areas:
Practical Life gives the child the opportunity to care for themselves and their surroundings. They learn independence, concentration, gross and fine motor skills, and a sense of order.
Mathematical Materials introduce number and quantity concepts in a concrete manner. Learning numbers and counting leads to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and geometry.
Language is introduced with the use of phonetics (sounds). This leads to reading and writing.
Cultural, children learn history and geography as well as about different people and cultures from all over the world.
Sensory Motor develops perception and sensory awareness. Children learn by sight, feel, taste, smell and simply experimenting.
Physical and Social Science introduce the child to the concept of living and non-living things, to energy, to space and time. The Solar System is also introduced.
Art, Music and Movement are integrated into the work cycle with an emphasis on creative versus imitative work. children develop their own creativity and require fine and gross motor skills, body awareness, balance and rhythm.
While a child will gain by attending a Montessori program for any length of time, children benefit most from extending exposure. This allows for individual and social development, helping children achieve their full potential and become independent, responsible human being as participating members of a harmonious, interdependent society.
