Language
The Spoken Word to the Written Word
The language curriculum progresses from oral language activities and
pre-reading work to writing and ultimately to reading comprehension. The
aims of the oral language activities include the development of listening
skills, comprehension and vocabulary as well as the ability to express
oneself with confidence. The materials for written language introduce the
child to the letters of the alphabet and their sounds. The child then
goes on to compose words and sentences using the moveable alphabet. All
aspects of language development are occurring simultaneously and it is
the teacher's role to observe readiness for each new lesson.
Math
Journeying from the Concrete to the Abstract
Lessons presented in the practical life and sensorial curriculum lay the
groundwork for the child to begin to explore the world of math. The
concrete math materials enable the naturally mathematical mind of the
preschool child to journey from the concrete to the abstract through
manipulation and experimentation. Children first explore the concept of
quantity or "how many". The Montessori materials build on each other in a
natural progression, encouraging the child to explore and discover. From
there the child moves on to using symbols or written quantities and then
begins to combine quantities for the operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division.
Practical Life
The Skills of Daily Living
The practical life area of the curriculum is the bridge for young
children between home and school. Practical life activities allow the
young child to perform adult activities. The aims of the practical life
materials are independence, a sense of order, concentration and
coordination. Practical life lessons include care of the person
(buttoning, zipping, tying); care of the environment (cleaning,
polishing, food preparation); small and gross motor development (pouring,
cutting, balancing); and social development (interpersonal skills, grace
and courtesy, speaking, participating in a group).
Sensorial
Exploring the World through the Five Senses
Dr. Maria Montessori identified the period from 2-6 years as the age of
the "absorbent mind". Children come to know and understand the world they
live in through their five senses. The Montessori sensorial materials,
such as the pink tower, geometric solids, sound cylinders and color
tablets help a child to understand and internalize the concepts of size,
shape, color, taste, touch and sound. These materials build the
foundation for developing skills in the areas of music, mathematics and
language.
Cultural and Science Activities
Botany, Zoology, Geography and Science
Geography and the sciences make up the cultural component of the
preschool program. The geography curriculum introduces the concepts of
land and water forms, the study of cultures and customs, and the
understanding of fundamental human needs through exploration of the seven
continents. The science curriculum is aimed at developing an awareness of
science concepts through discovery and experimentation. Included within
the curriculum are hands-on lessons in the areas of botany, zoology and
physical science.