Curriculum
Though we focus on a holistic experience, these are the main areas of our curriculum.
LEARN BY DOING
Montessori saw the importance of the manipulation of objects to aid the child in better understanding his environment. Through the child’s work with Sensorial material, the child is helped to make abstractions, he is helped in making distinctions in his environment, and the child is given the knowledge not through word of mouth, but through his own experiences.
Sensorial Exercises
The purpose of the sensorial work is to give each child the experience of each of their senses. They can then apply the understanding they gain and relate to the world in a clearer and more conscious manner. Montessori believes that exploration of the senses begins at birth.
Mathematics
The Montessori Mathematics curriculum consists of hands-on learning materials, detailed lessons, one-on-one instruction, and deep levels of understanding the process of numeration.
Practical Life
The Practical Life area is importantpart of a Montessori classroom environment. The child develops many skills while working in this area. Some of these skills include: self care, caring for the environment and independence.
Language Exercises
The Montessori language curriculum is divided into three key stages: the Preparatory Stage, the Symbolic Stage, and the Reading and Writing Stage. Each Stage is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs and abilities of children at different developmental levels.
Cultural Subjects
In the Montessori Primary Classroom, there are six areas for cultural exploration: The World (Geography), The World of Plants (Botany), The World of Animals (Zoology), The World of Art and the World of Music. The curriculum encourages exploration, curiosity, and a sense of interconnectedness
Enrichment
Montessori Discovery Garden offers many enriching activities in the course of the school week. Specialized teachers bring, Art, Foreign Language, Music, and Yoga to the curriculum
Art Experiences
Montessori wanted her prepared environment to have real works of art hung at the child’s eye level. The child is exposed to a variety of art forms, crossing a range of styles and techniques, past and present. Art work and experiences are available every day. The Art Teacher helps the child see in a special way with the use of their imagination, the creative process can unfold.
Music
Each child learns in a different way, that is why music is taught using all of the senses. Through moving, speaking, singing, listening & playing simple instruments. Additionally, learning to read and write music further enables music to be incorporated into their lives.
Foreign Language
Primary aged children are like sponges and are naturally inquisitive and eager to learn new skills such as a foreign language. They benefit from a simple immersion in the language by hearing, reacting, singing songs, learning vocabulary, looking at pictures, and learning sentence structures. When the teacher includes movement into language learning it is of course even more fun.
Yoga
Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them.