Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori built her vision and philosophy of education on the theory that human development from birth until maturity at age 24 encompasses four planes of development. Early Childhood, from birth through age 6, is the first of these developmental planes. From birth until age 3 children are, without any effort, soaking up everything about their world like little sponges; this is the unconscious, absorbent mind. In the second half of the first plane (ages 3 to 6), this absorption becomes conscious. During both of these times, the challenges of learning become manageable through the sensitive periods. Sensitive periods are windows of time in which children are internally motivated to master certain skills and, times when they are able to develop certain skills more easily and naturally than during any other time in their lives. Humans go through sensitive periods for spoken language, written language, math, movement, and many other skills.
Montessori Academy’s Children’s House program allows children to fully explore the Montessori materials and educational activities within a stimulating prepared learning environment. In addition, children develop social skills, independence, self-esteem, critical thinking skills, and a love of learning through their interaction with peers, teachers, and the prepared environment.
The goal of the Children’s Houses is to foster a love of learning and gain an understanding of global citizenship. Students engage in opportunities to develop self-regulation, social awareness, peer relationships, and leadership. Prior to their kindergarten year, students attend a minimum of five half days per week with the option to attend two, three, or five full days per week. At the kindergarten level students attend five full days.
Kindergarten children attend five full days.
Parents may choose from the following program options for pre-Kindergarten children:
- Morning classes - 8:30 – Noon
- Full day sessions - 8:30 – 3:00
Childcare
Montessori Academy offers before school childcare from 7:00 AM and after school childcare until 5:30 PM for an additional charge.
Children enrolled in our Children’s House Program will have the opportunity to work in the following areas:
Practical Life
Through the practical life activities, children practice self-help skills such as spooning, pouring, buttoning, and snack preparation, which fosters their independence and helps to develop positive work habits, self-control, and the ability to concentrate. Children care for the environment that surrounds them as they learn to care for the classroom, including classroom plants and pets. Daily living activities promote the development of fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and serve as the foundation for future work in all other academic areas.
Sensorial
Materials in the sensorial area of the classroom refine the children’s ability to perceive and make sense of their world by using their senses of sight, touch, hearing, tasting, and smelling. Sensorial materials develop each child’s ability to problem-solve, compare, contrast, sequence, match, sort, categorize, and build critical thinking skills.
Mathematics
The Montessori math materials are designed to present mathematical concepts to children in a concrete, hands-on way. The math area provides opportunities to explore numerals, decimals, geometry and the four basic operations. Mathematical discoveries and experiments in logic and problem solving are also integrated into all areas of the classroom and in everyday routines.
Language Arts
The language arts curriculum exposes children to materials and meaningful activities designed to enhance expressive and receptive language skills, increase vocabulary, enjoy quality children's literature and poetry, and build the skills necessary to begin reading and writing. The reading program uses a balanced approach to literacy instruction, including a comprehensive phonetics approach.
Culture & Science
The cultural and science curriculum invites exploration in geography, sociology, history, botany, zoology, and meteorology. Montessori materials bring the world into the classroom environment, enabling children to expand their knowledge of the universe.
Music & Movement
Music and movement are integrated into all areas of the classroom. Activities such as singing and performing finger plays are part of the daily routine.
Art
Children have the chance to express their creativity as they explore various art mediums. Art projects refine hand-eye coordination and prepare the wrist for handwriting.
Please find below some links to informative videos about Montessori early childhood programs:
Introduction to Montessori early childhood programs
Montessori Early Childhood Practical Life Curriculum
Montessori Early Childood Language Curriculum
Montessori Early Childood Math Curriculum