Montessori Curriculum
Practical Life
Practical Life consists of familiar materials that children see adults using in their homes. By working with these materials in a purposeful manner, the children gain control and coordination of muscular movements. At the same time, they acquire skills which help them to care for themselves, for others and their environment while gaining confidence and independence. The sequencing involved in these activities helps in the growth and development of the children's intellect and concentration, leading to an orderly way of thinking.
Sensorial
Maria Montessori believed that the training of the senses actually preceded that of the higher intellectual faculties. The purpose of the Sensorial apparatus is for the child to become aware of the physical properties of his/her environment. Through the use of these apparatus, the child's senses are sharpened and refined. These abilities enable them to classify, compare and discriminate between similar objects, pair and grade them, and recognize similarities and differences.
Language
All areas of the Montessori program help the child to build a solid foundation for language. The phonetic sounds and the cursive letters are introduced to the child at an early stage in the program. This fosters a love for the written and spoken language and children start writing and reading with ease at a very early age. Enrichment of vocabulary continues throughout the program with classified cards, precise language, poetry, story books and more. Most children read fluently by the end of the three-year program.
Mathematics
Through the manipulation of concrete materials children gain a firm understanding of quantities and their association with their numerical symbols. Addition, multiplication, subtraction and division are introduced through the work with decimal system bead materials. The math program encourages logical thinking and helps children to internalize abstract concepts such as memorization of basic facts, algebra, geometry, measurements, and fractions.
Culture
The children explore the world's geography through materials such as land and water forms, globes, puzzle maps, flags, and the atlas. Science is introduced with various nomenclature card materials, experiments, and books. Historical events, people and customs are discussed and studied in relation to holidays and festivals in Canada and around the world. Cultural studies emphasize the awareness of self and increases the child's curiosity about the world around him/her, motivating them to make their own discoveries.
Arts & Music
In our classroom, great emphasis is given to creativity and imagination. Arts and crafts materials are available for children to express themselves in different mediums. Paintings by acclaimed artists are exhibited on walls and rotated periodically. Appreciation for music is introduced through listening to renowned composers, singing, dancing and the use of percussion instruments. Through the use of Montessori Bells, children gain a basic understanding of notation, chromatic scales and develop their ear for music.
French
Our French program is conducted daily in a small group setting. By learning numbers, shapes, fruits, vegetables, and the names of other common objects, their French vocabulary is enriched. Through actions and interactions with materials, the children also learn French grammar. When they are ready, they are guided from individual words to short sentences, allowing them to learn how to ask questions and give answers. All of this will give them a solid foundation to continue their French studies in grade school.