Our goal is to provide a dynamic atmosphere for learning where children will be given the freedom to make choices from a variety of materials appropriate for their stage of development. With the philosophy of Maria Montessori in mind, the children will be introduced to the exercises of practical life. These are everyday tasks such as pouring water, washing hands or buttoning a shirt. The practical life materials involve children in precise movements, allowing them to concentrate, work at their own pace and experience the joy of a task completed. We also have a number of Montessori materials that introduce the children to mathematical experiences, concepts and processes that are geared to the child's readiness for them.
Montessori materials, which help to attain maximum refinement of the children's senses, are also available on a daily basis. Through sight, touch, sound, taste and smell, the sensorial materials offer an explanation of concepts such as "longness and shortness" and "roughness and smoothness". The sensorial materials also help develop the child's coordination, enhance language development and provide the child with experience in the field of mathematics and science.
The following activities are available in the classroom for the children to choose from:
- A computer that provides children an opportunity to be independent and develop the confidence in skills needed to control the many functions of various software.
- Puzzles, that are rotated on a weekly basis and offer a variety of different levels of difficulty.
- A designated area set up with art materials for creating individual 'masterpieces'.
- An art easel with painting and drawing tools.
- A custom made dramatic area which often reflects the theme of the week and allows for social interaction. This space consists of a built in kitchen centre, and may include dolls, dress-up clothes or a puppet theatre depending on the theme.
- A carpeted area for the use of building materials, cars, trains, and other items that promote imagination and allow the children to communicate and work together.
- Teacher directed art activities, generally related to the theme, and present the children with the experience of following a sequence with an end result in mind but at the same time permitting the freedom to express their own unique style if they so desire.
- 'Tricky work' for any child that shows a readiness and interest with pencil and paper. A child should feel success no matter what the end result may be.
The children will be exposed to a stimulating language environment. They will be given plenty of opportunity to converse with their teachers and with other children such as describing situations and expressing feelings. Through open access to a good selection of books and other learning materials, the children will be able to feed their imaginations and sharpen their awareness and understanding of language. Language will be incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum and thus children will be motivated to learn reading and writing skills in a natural way. The children also work in the area of cultural studies, which includes an introduction to geography, history and natural science. Our aim is to provide each child with appropriate, self-fulfilling and rewarding experiences. A minimum amount of interference will be imposed on the child's natural curiosity and inner drive to learn.
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