Early Childhood
Education

Practical life activities are designed to develop a sense of order, encourage independence, develop concentration, fine motor control, eye-hand coordination, and care for oneself and the environment. Activities such as sorting, matching, pouring, scooping, buttoning, tying, snapping, and polishing also prepare children for learning in other subject areas. 

The sensorial materials develop and refine the five senses to build a foundation for speech, writing, and math. The materials are modeled from scientific concepts, like metric system dimensions or algebraic formulas. Sensory experience with these materials is the child’s first step toward understanding the abstract concepts they represent.

Montessori observed that three to six-year-old children are in a “sensitive period” for absorbing spoken and written language. The language arts curriculum has many stages of development, the first being oral/auditory. Our early childhood curriculum is rich in oral language opportunities, whether listening to stories, reciting poems, singing, or conversing with others. 

Mathematics materials and lessons help children develop a concrete understanding of abstract math concepts. Students are introduced to concepts such as the fundamentals of the decimal system, numerical place value, fractions, and the math operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through manipulating concrete materials. This builds a secure foundation of math principles, skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Cultural subjects are presented seasonally with specially designed materials and real-life experiences. In geography, children learn not only about the names of countries but also about the lives of people and their respective cultures. They develop a sense of respect for different cultures, recognizing that we all belong to the same family of people.