Programmes

Montessori Philosophy

Montessori – In the all-important formative years, our pre-school program provides children with a strong foundation in academic and life skills within a caring and supportive “classroom family” atmosphere.

Following the philosophy formulated by Dr. Maria Montessori, the “Montessori Method” builds on her observations that education during the formative years is absolutely crucial to a child’s development and future success. Dr. Montessori observed that children absorb knowledge from all aspects of the world around them. During these formative years, every child has an inherent urge to learn. In order to foster this spontaneous desire for knowledge, Dr. Montessori suggested the creation of a specially “prepared environment” offering child-sized furniture, manipulative and hand-held objects. To help children learn through their senses, all classroom items are richly textured and aesthetically pleasing; children should be encouraged to touch, taste, smell, listen to and observe their surroundings.

Through interaction with their environment and with each other, children learn about their world and about themselves; they develop self- confidence, self-discipline, appreciation and respect.

Dr. Montessori’s theory that children have a natural desire to learn (described as “the absorbent mind”) has been reinforced by modern research. Recent findings confirm that up to 50% of a child’s mental development takes place between those ages of 0 to 4 years, and another 30% between the ages of 4 to 8 years. A Montessori approach to education in the pre-school and Kindergarten years prepares children to be interested and active participants in their own education.

Areas of learning in a Montessori Class:

Language
Mathematics
Practical Life
Sensorial Exercises
Cultural Studies

PROGRAMMES ENHANCEMENTS

We enhance this programme of education by offering additional opportunities for learning in such areas as French, Computers, Physical Education, Music and Arts. Our Casa students are also given the time and encouragement to explore and enjoy their own library as they begin to develop a love of reading.