Programs
PRIMARY PROGRAM
This program is offered to children from the ages of 3 years through KG.
PRACTICAL LIFE ACTIVITIES
A great variety of activities are offered to help each child to develop concentration and independence. The Practical Life activities are sequential exercises which let the child develop order and logic. They also aid the focusing of attention and the refinement of gross and fine motor skills. In the Montessori classroom the child is made aware of his/her surroundings. The child learns to help others, take care of plants and animals and to keep the environment neat. The child gains independence by learning to take care of him/herself by dressing, cleaning, preparing food, etc. and may repeat any activity as many times as needed to achieve mastery of the task. As a result the child gains more coordination, control and self-confidence. A feeling of accomplishment is experienced and the child develops a positive self-image.
The activities of Practical Life are the foundation for future learning.
SENSORIAL MATERIALS
The sensorial materials consist of a variety of cognitive materials with isolated qualities such as size, shape, color, texture, weight, sound, taste, smell and temperature. These help the child to develop keener observation skills. They also lead the child to organize and classify sensorial impressions, gain refinement in movement, and indirectly prepare for the mathematics. The materials are self-corrective, allowing the child to work independently.
LANGUAGE
The language materials help the child in the areas of speaking, writing and reading. The child is exposed to a wide vocabulary, e.g. parts of a flower, geometric shapes, classification of animals and any additional terminology based on the child’s interests. When a child is able to discriminate on an auditory basis, the association of sound with a letter symbol is presented. After sound and symbol recognition of a group of letters, the child learns to compose words with the moveable alphabet. Each child works at his/her own speed through a series of activities leading to the discovery of writing and reading.
MATHEMATICS
The child is surrounded by mathematical concepts such as order, number, shape, dimension and weight. The Montessori materials isolate each concept and introduce it in concrete form. The child follows a series of activities and learns to associate symbol and quantity. Later the child discovers the composition and hierarchy of numbers and the function of basic mathematical operations. The child progresses from manipulative materials to more abstract work.
SCIENCE
Children are exposed to interesting botanical and zoological materials. They collect and classify leaves and learn to recognize parts of animals and plants.
The children explore various collections from nature, such as insects, fossils, sea-shells, etc. Physical science experiments are also available in the classroom. The children explore magnets, build electrical circuits, discover properties of air and water, just to name a few.
ART
Children are introduced to various techniques of working with different media. An array of art supplies is provided in the classroom to encourage the child’s creativity. Through art appreciation materials children become familiar with artists and their works.
CULTURAL LEARNING
The children are introduced to a great variety of materials such as globes, wooden puzzle maps, flags, objects and pictures from other countries and the way people live in different cultures around the world. The focus is on the basic needs of man, such as food, shelter and clothing. Through visitors and celebrations the children experience life in other lands.
MUSIC
Music is an integral part of the classroom. Children play songs on bells that can be matched. The children are also introduced to variety of instruments from many countries.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Our staff is qualified to provide a happy and safe environment for children with the need for care after school hours. We offer a special prepared room just for this purpose. Montessori principles are followed and activities are prepared with this in mind. A variety of educational materials are provided.