Consider the wonder of language acquisition.
- The Montessori curriculum introduces the children to the phonetic sounds of letters
- Spontaneous reading and grammar activities follow.
The language area builds on the ability of the child to distinguish the sounds that make up his language, and the fine motor skills already developed .The Sandpaper letters allow children to 'feel' the letters, and the Moveable Alphabet allows children to make their own words and stories even though they may not yet be able to write clearly. The satisfaction achieved in this way then inspires the child to use a pencil to create more permanent stories ,and the child begins to write without having been 'taught'.Other materials follow which present the intricacies of non-phonetic spelling and grammer . The children know they have written and begin to read back their stories. They come to reading by themselves, having already absorbed the necessary keys.
he Mathematics area also introduces abstract ideas and relationships through the use and manipulation of concrete materials. For example, through the materials a child can physically see and feel that '1' is smaller than '1000'. The concept of '10' is emphasised in many materials, as our whole number system is based is based on this. The child is introduced to the functions and operations of numbers, learning to add, subtract, multiply and divide, all through the use of the unique Montessori materials.
The younger children are interested in practice activities, such as the tasks, they see accomplished at home, and which they wish to imitate, eg: pouring, polishing, washing and squeezing. The practical life activities are satisfying in themselves for the children and also develop concentration, orderly work pattern, hand-eye co-ordination, gross and fine motor skills all essential skills for later writing and reading. In addition, children learn to care for themselves and their surroundings, and how to behave with grace and courtesy.
The sensorial materials break, down abstract concepts into concrete activities. Concepts such as dimension, color, form, texture, volume, weight and shape are easily understood using materials that clearly isolate each concept. Children spontaneously choose to work with these materials because they fulfill their desire to explore their world through all their senses. The indirect preparation for writing is further enhanced through manipulation of these materials.
The cultural area includes natural science, geography, history, art and music. The children use puzzle maps and flags to learn about their own and other countries. Music is explored both by participation and listening. A variety of art materials is available at all times children may choose activities such as drawing, painting, pasting or play dough. Nature is explored both in the classroom and in the school garden. Each term external visitors are invited to share areas of special interest with the children and the older children have excursions to places of interest.
- Positive attitude towards learning.
- Language and communicative skills.
- Physical and motor development.
- Emotional and social development.
- Skills relating to investigate and experiment.
- Creative and imaginative skills.
- Appreciate Rhythm in Music and Enjoy.
- Differentiate acceptable norms of social behavior.
- Identify personal Health and Hygiene. Table Manners and toilet training.
Activities for children include:-
- Work sheets, Every concept taught to the childrens.
- Story telling/action songs/& rhymes
- Multi disciplinary inputs include dance, music etc.
- Emphasis on developing essential social skills and manners
- Out door project work picnic
- Colour days, fancy dress day, annual day, sports day and many more
- Celebrating and bringing awareness of the important National festivals.
- Zoo visit, post office visit, farm visits