Children of this age possess what Dr. Montessori called the Absorbent Mind. This type of mind has the unique and transitory ability to absorb all aspects; physical, mental, spiritual, of the environment, without effort or fatigue. As an aid to the child’s self-construction, individual work is encouraged. The following areas of activity cultivate the children’s ability to express themselves and think with clarity.
Practical Life
The youngest children begin in the practical life area of the classroom. Exercises, such as, polishing, pouring, and spooning, increase both attention span and concentration. Additionally, these exercises develop both gross and find motor coordination and enable each child to experience satisfaction over mastery of the exercise and completion of task.
Sensorial
A child learns through their senses. By providing interrelated sensorial material, children are guided through a series of exercises involving discrimination.
Language
The Montessori prepared environment expands the vocabulary and provides order, exactness and self confidence for the child. The child uses sandpaper letters to form phonetic sounds, then uses the moveable alphabet to compose words. Each student progresses to writing then spelling.
Science
Montessori’s method has its basic scientific observation. Observation and classification of plants and animals leads to natural understanding the world through its environment.
Geography
A series of globes assist the children in distinguishing land and water areas, progressing to the continents and lands that make up our world.
Art and Music
A variety of media is available to encourage self-expression. Group music includes music appreciation, songs, dancing, music theory and rhythm instruction.
In addition to music and movement in the classroom, 3-6 has music weekly with Beachside Performing Arts and Kindergarten students have Art weekly with Ms. Prell.
Mathematics
The Montessori environment prepares the child for mathematics through exactness and order in Practical Life, Sensorial, and Language. The child begins with 1-10 work, learning the quantity and symbol, in isolation, then together. Progression to the place value system occurs easily because of the young child’s enthusiasm.
Programs Offered
Preschool/Kindergarten (3 Years – 6 Years)
AM (8:30AM – 11:30AM)
Extended Day (8:30AM – 2:30PM)
Full Day – (7:30AM – 5:20PM)