Curriculum

A Montessori classroom is a prepared environment where a child is free to explore and learn. The materials are designed to meet the needs of the child and are materials of development rather than teaching aides. Every activity in a Montessori classroom is designed to move the child forward on the educational journey. Each classroom has five distinct areas:

  • Practical Life

    Activities teach a child about care of the environment, refine physical movement, and build concentration. Grace and courtesy exercises are also a part of this curriculum.

  • Sensorial

    Exercises designed to develop and sharpen a student’s senses. Many activities directly tie to the mathematics curriculum.

  • Mathematics

    Using manipulatives, the child internalizes concepts of number, symbol, sequence and operations.

  • Language Arts

    Basic skills in writing and reading are developed using sandpaper letters, phonetic sounds, moveable alphabet and various presentations.

  • Cultural Activities

    Introduces the child to geography, history, science, music, and art. Helps the child build respect for our big world and all its wonders.

Most of our classrooms have mixed age groups. Children learn from one another.  This can be seen in family and play situations where children are free to observe and interact in a variety of activities.  Young children learn higher-level cognitive and social skills not only through mental development, but also by observing others as models.
Multi-age grouping helps children develop a sense of community and supports social development.  Older children act as role models and (sometimes) teachers of younger children.  This aids in the development of personality, collaboration, and cooperation.  Montessori classrooms have used mixed age groupings for over 100 years!