There are 5 key areas to the Montessori curriculum:
- Practical Life
- Sensorial
- Mathematics
- Language
- Cultural Exploration
Practical Life
The activities in practical life help children to take care of themselves and their environment. These are the skills of independence. Through practical life activities, children develop their concentration, self-confidence and social skills. They are learning to be an active member of their family and community.
Life Skills – Independence – Self-Confidence – Social Skills – Friendships
Sensorial
The sensorial materials help the child become ware of their own senses – sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell. They also begin to compare and contrast the characteristics of things – colour, shape, weight, size, length, thickness. Children at ages 3 – 6 love to explore their senses. This forms a foundation for later learning and abstract thinking.
Sensorial Exploration – Classifying – Self-Awareness – Logic – Coordination
Mathematics
The mathematics material is very logical and methodical. We begin with essential math concepts such as quantity and numbers, counting, and in the 2nd and 3rd year of Montessori Kindergarten, children may also begin with arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and the concepts of fractions. Geometry is part of the sensorial and math lessons.
Numbers – Counting – Math Operations – Essential Math Facts – Geometry – Fractions
Language
Language begins with providing a rich language environment and extending children’s vocabulary. We do this in English and German (Swiss- and High German). Children at ages 3-6 are introduced to letter sounds and how to “sound out” words phonetically. In Montessori, we focus on essential skills to begin to write and read. Storytelling, picture viewing, discussions with children, and singing songs are also part of daily routine.
Vocabulary – German, English, Swiss-German – Phonetics – Skills of Writing and Reading – Self-Expression
Cultural Exploration
Our Montessori “prepared environments” also include materials and experiences in: Art and Craft, Music, Science such as Biology, Botany, Experiments, Zoology, History and Geography. These experiences are to enhance children’s understanding and awareness of the world.
Creativity – Self-expression – Social Connection – Awareness of the World
