Spanish language, music education and art are an integral part of our Early Childhood and Elementary School programs.

The Geometric Cabinet presents the plane geometric shapes to the child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


A visual puzzle for the Primary Program, the Trinomial Cube is later (in Elementary school) used as a concrete representation of an algebraic theorem.


Primary Program

Ages 3 – 6 years

The Early Childhood program is based on the philosophy and methodology of Dr. Maria Montessori, who supported the belief that all children have developmentally “sensitive periods” when they learn with the greatest ease, fueled by their own curiosity and guided by observant, well-educated adults. Our four Primary classrooms are multi-age environments with a great variety of appealing materials to provide experiences through which children absorb information and develop enthusiasm for learning.

The opportunity to work independently and with classmates draws children to activities that develop academic skills, problem-solving strategies, concentration and coordination. Building trust and confidence, learning to make good choices for oneself, taking care of each other and of the environment in a setting that encourages the development of a healthy social community; these are the lessons of this age. Music, movement and Spanish classes enhance the student's enjoyment of the world and provide avenues for self-expression and social interaction. Creativity flourishes in this atmosphere of acceptance and trust.

Lessons are introduced simply and concretely, following the child’s interests, developmental readiness and ability. The multi-age setting allows children to observe older students and learn from them; it allows older students to confirm their understanding and abilities by becoming role models and peer teachers for their younger friends.

The Montessori materials are divided into three main groups: Practical Life exercises, Sensorial Materials and Academic Materials.

Practical Life Exercises

The Practical Life area of the classroom is the base for the young child and is the core of all of these content areas. In the Practical Life area children develop fine motor skills and concentration through a variety of spooning, pouring, sorting, sewing, food preparation and art activities. It is in this area that the lessons of grace and courtesy are practiced and where good work habits are developed. Dr. Montessori called children's focus upon an activity "work", not becayse it was tough or drudgery, but because the child was purposefully devoting their attention to a task at hand, to give it honor.

Sensorial Materials

The Sensorial Materials sharpen the senses and enable children to understand their environment through many sensory interactions and experiences. Each of the Sensorial Materials isolates one defining quality such as color, weight, shape, texture, size, smell, sound, etc. The purpose of these materials is to provide a concrete, sensorial impression and understanding for abstract concepts. Many of the sensorial exercises are a preparation for academic learning. The geometric solids, for example, help make the child aware of various shapes and sizes while introducing the vocabulary used for geometric shapes: cube, sphere, cone, cylinder, prism, pyramid.

Academic Materials

The Academic Materials form the core curriculum, which uses an integrated approach built on the lessons and materials designed by Dr. Montessori. Activities, lessons and materials follow the developmental processes, each step building on the previous, from Primary (ages 3 – 6) through Elementary (ages 6 – 12). Basic skills in the areas of reading and language development, handwriting, mathematics, geometry, geography, cultural geography and science. All these skills have their beginning in sensorial understanding and exploration. A hands-on approach is inherent in all activities and lessons, from early childhood through elementary school. As we know, “The hand is the instrument of the mind”.

Music & Spanish Language Instruction

The Music Program includes hand percussion instruments, Montessori bells, Kodaly hand signs, and movement activities. The goal is to train the ear and provide basic musical concepts before progressing to the elementary level. Practical application of the basic concepts through Orff methods includes singing and movement as well as playing recorders, xylophones and the instruments mentioned above. Performances at our winter program, Earth Day and our year-end celebration develop a sense of community through ensemble experience. Our music director visits each classroom weekly. Lessons and activities that include songs and rhythm are presented daily.

Spanish Language instruction is approached in much the same way as development of the English Language. Vocabulary is introduced, practiced and developed using a variety of activities and games. Conversational skills relate to every day experiences. Interaction with our Spanish teacher is weekly, sometimes more often. Spanish is also used and practiced informally on the playground and in class.