PRACTICAL LIFE EXERCISES
The exercises of Practical Life, which are the foundation of a Montessori environment, provide a sane and wholesome range of activities which allow your child to develop control and co-ordination of movement, awareness of his/her environment, good work habits, responsibility, concentration, attention, independence, order and positive self-image which can be attained by spontaneous and purposeful work.
SENSORIAL TRAINING
These activities are designed to reinforce the five senses to help guide the children in learning to discriminate, clarify and compare. Sensorial exercises help prepare for intellectual development in an orderly manner. The Sensorial materials introduce the concept of colour, weight, shape, texture, size, sound and smell in an enjoyable way and are great fun for the children. The Sensorial materials teach knowledge and understanding of the world and lay a solid foundation for Mathematics, Geometry, Geography, Botany, Art and Music.
COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE & LITERACY
Young children have a phenomenal ability to absorb language. Every effort is made to give each child as much and precise vocabulary as possible. The process of absorbing, communicating and expressing is encouraged whether individually or in a group. This is a very important part of the Montessori curriculum.
Sandpaper letters are used to introduce the sounds of the alphabet to the child when he/she is ready. In the Montessori, children do not learn by heart, but utilises all their senses to help them read and write with proper understanding.
Discovering language becomes interesting, fun and creative through activities in the Pink, Blue and Green Montessori language series. Each child works at his/her own pace -gradually through daily practices, pre-writing, pre-reading, communication skills and reading.
MONTESSORI MATHEMATICS
Mathematics materials are designed to give the child a sound understanding of numbers and their relationship. Work is always introduced in a simple and sensorial way so that the child can see, hold and feel a number or concept and gradually be led to an abstract understanding. Children will learn numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, length, weight, capacity and problem solving.
These activities are designed to reinforce the five senses to help guide the children in learning to discriminate, clarify and compare. Sensorial exercises help prepare for intellectual development in an orderly manner. The Sensorial materials introduce the concept of colour, weight, shape, texture, size, sound and smell in an enjoyable way and are great fun for the children. The Sensorial materials teach knowledge and understanding of the world and lay a solid foundation for Mathematics, Geometry, Geography, Botany, Art and Music.
CULTURAL SUBJECTS
The Montessori cultural subjects cover:
Nature study It includes the study of living and non-living things. Children will have the opportunity to explore and understand their environment.
Botany and Zoology Children are exposed to the study of plants and animals. They will be taught to classify impressions into clear and simple categories.
Geography To launch the child’s exploration of the world’s physical environment, children are introduced to the various continents, countries, states, land and water forms and the solar system.
History Through creative activities such as modeling, painting, and collage, children are taught to understand the distinction between the past and present and how the past events have led to the present situation.
CREATIVE STUDIES
Curiosity and creativity are important aspects of a Montessori child’s experience. Creative studies incorporate art, music, dance, creative drama.
Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being creative enables children to make connections between one area of learning and another, allowing him/her to extend his/her understanding. Children are encouraged to develop their imagination and ability to communicate and express ideas and feelings in creative ways through painting, colouring, collage, play dough, clay, etc. There are opportunities for the children to enjoy singing, music, drama and storytelling.
We follow the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the government based framework for early learning called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE
The EYFS is split into four themes which are the key principles that underpin effective practice in the care, development and learning of young children.
A Unique Child – commits to child development, inclusive practice, keeping safe and health and wellbeing. Positive Relationships – commits to respecting each- other, parents as partners, supporting learning and the key person approach. Enabling Environments – commits to observation, planning and assessment of children, supporting every child, the learning environment and the wider context (e.g. working in partnership with other settings, professionals and community groups). Learning & Development – commits to play and exploration, active learning, creativity and critical thinking and areas of learning and development. Learning and development is made up of seven areas:
-Communication & Language. -Mathematics. -Personal, Social & Emotional Development. -Physical Development. -Literacy. -Expressive Arts & Designs. -Understanding of the World.
For further information on the Early Years Foundation Stage please talk to the nursery management team.