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Our Montessori Rooms and Curriculum
Emergent Learning
This type of curriculum is called emergent because, it evolves, as choices and connections are made by the children as they discover the world around them. There is an emphasis on child-led learning. The practitioner shares control with the children; and their actions, thoughts, play, ideas, and conversations guide the curriculum. This type of curriculum uses children’s and practitioners’ interests, questions and experiences as starting points for curriculum planning. At times, topics emerge from children’s interests. At other times, practitioners introduce specific topics to support children’s learning and development
Practical Life
One of the hallmarks of the Montessori method is that it takes full advantage of the child’s motivation to learn these things at a very young age. The practical life curriculum in Montessori provides a scope and sequence for these everyday routines and practices. And exactly like the other, more academic areas in the Montessori classroom, the Montessori approach offers a pedagogy that elevates and empowers the child in her pursuit of these skills. Practical life in Montessori is purposeful activity, develops motor control and coordination, and develops independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. The exercises in practical life cover two main areas of development: care of self, and care of the environment.
Outdoors
The Montessori method has historically advocated the idea of bringing the inside and the outside together by taking the inside out. Outside learning had a whole chapter dedicated to it in Maria Montessori's first book 'The Montessori Method'.
Being in our garden the children gain gardening skills which would benefit them throughout their lives.
“...the best way of invigorating a child is to immerse him in nature”.
One of Maria Montessoris 4 key principles to cover the importance of the outdoors in education. It is undeniable that sensory experiences and memories are the strongest and last the longest. Therefore, at this early stage of education it is vital to provide an education which not only equips children with essential skills but is memorable for the right reasons. Sensory play and sensory education have a meaningful impact; it is remembered for years to come and is a well-rounded activity which yields positive results.
Social Skills/Resilience
Problem solving
As much as we’d like to do everything for your children, it is imperative that they know how to deal with problems by themselves as they grow. The first stage is to teach your child how to deal with a problem instead of resorting to being upset. As important as it is to recognise negative emotions, the goal is to find ways to move past them. We focus on showing your child it’s okay to ask you or another trusted grown up for help. Validate their emotions without making them dwell on them. Instead, we ask them to come up with different solutions. Ask them what would make them feel better. Give them the autonomy they want and let them figure it out. Problem solving is a huge part of adulthood. You probably do it all day long everyday, so we aim to let your children exercise this skill as much as possible. And remember, an independent child is a happy child.
Language
Literacy
Early introductions to literacy are crucial. Did you know that phonological awareness is the strongest predictor of early reading success?
We thoroughly cover the seven areas of phonological awareness with your little one before introducing letters and sounds in a very special order. Your child will be ready for reading success!
Mathematics
Numeracy
Numeracy is more than numbers. It's also sorting, building, comparing, measuring, patterning, exploring shapes...The six areas of math readiness are critical, as all future math skills build on them. By understanding how numbers fit and work together, your child will have a strong foundation for later multiplication, division, fractions, and more.
Movement
Mindfulness
Social & Emotional Wellness
While academics and building healthy bodies are important, we need to support the healthy development of the whole child. Positive self-confidence is at the heart of Play within our Montessori. With thoughtfully created activities, your child will develop the skills to recognise that if they put their mind to something, they are capable of anything
Art/Crafts
Fine & Gross Motor Skills
Did you know crossing the midline aids in the development of fine motor skills like handwriting?Crossing the midline strengthens the corpus callosum—a huge bundle of nerve fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Development of the corpus callosum is essential for skills like reading, balance, processing speed, and problem-solving.
Montessori Room 1
Within Montessori 1 we concentrate mostly on Practical life and social and emotional regulation.
Why are practical life activities necessary?
It’s not “just” getting dressed or "just" juicing an orange if one is doing it oneself. The child is learning to follow a complex motor sequence, independently, in order to fulfill their own desires and needs. These skills, when taught early in life, allow children to believe in themselves as well as develop the self-discipline needed for success throughout their lives.
Those who are unfamiliar with the Montessori method may question why a child is doing something like washing the dishes over learning something more academic like mathematical concepts. The practical life Montessori curriculum teaches the child things they need to (and are motivated to) learn anyway, and does it in a way that is of a piece with the more academic disciplines, developing the same key fundamental executive and emotional skills. Maths, reading, and language all require the child to have the ability to focus, to be able to follow logical and sequential steps, to make intelligent choices, to see a task through from start to finish, to persist when you make a mistake, and to correct your mistakes—and all of these are present in the process of learning and practicing the practical life activities.
Montessori 2
In Montessori 2, we begin to gently enhance and guide children towards books, poems, rhymes, and songs. As their interest in language grows, so too does their ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. We continue to nurture their imagination and curiosity by asking thoughtful questions and encouraging conversation. By taking a genuine interest in each child’s thoughts and ideas, we unlock a door where learning becomes both joyful and effortless
Spanish/Yoga
A second language
Not only is this useful in the long run but studies show that children who learn a second language adapt more quickly to change, have a better memory, and a better understanding of language in general. As if there wasn’t enough good reason for your child to be bilingual! There’s also the obvious advantage that they will not have a problem communicating in other parts of the world which in turn can open more doors for them in terms of career opportunities. On top of everything, scientists from the Rotman Research Institute in Canada have proven that speaking two languages helps the brain delay the onset of Alzheimer’s in old age Isn’t that amazing?