Practical Life

 

These activities are the learning processes that children need to function

and thrive in everyday life. They are cultural and specific to the child's time

and place and help the child develop a sense of being and belonging.

They are able to observe and participate in tasks that focus on four areas:

Caring for the Self, Caring for the Environment, Grace & Courtesy and

Movement of Objects. Practical life exercises also help the children with

their coordination in movement, balance, gracefulness, and the power

of being silent.

 

Sensorial Materials

 

Here, the child will acquire the ability to make clear decision and classifications about their 

environment. Sensorial experience begin at birth, as the child studies their environment, understands

what is happening to them, and becomes a "sensorial explorer". As they start to classify objects and

experiences that surround them, they are building their intelligence, leading them to adapt to their

changing environment. They learn about size, shape, composition, texture, loudness or softness,

matching, weight, temperature and more. The categories that we teach them in are broken down to

Visual, Tactile, Baric, Thermic, Auditory, Olfactory, Gustatory and Sterognostic.

 

Music

 

Our musical program develops the child's nonverbal affective communication, increasing their understanding and enjoyment of music in our culture. They listen, learn and play as active musical training can improve their problem solving skills, physical coordination, poise, concentration, memory, visual, aural and language skills, self-discipline, self-confidence and their ability to learn.

 

Mathematics

 

We believe that children can absorb mathematical concepts naturally. There are

sensitive periods in a child's development where these concepts are eagerly and

joyfully explored through preparation and repetition. Our children learn concepts

of order, sequence, measurement, calculations and exactness. To fully develop

their mathematical mind, we set up and organize our shelves, trays and work mats

in a sequential and progressive fashion, in a logical order and placement. The

children estimate how many drops of water are needed to fill a vessel, they measure

out drops of food colouring or plant food, and are constantly challenged to be

independent with their calculations and higher math skills.

 

Geography/History

 

Geography is the study of man, the way humans live, and the way of life that has been

establishd to be able to sustain life. Our children learn about various cultures and different

parts of the - how they live, work, speak and more. We enhance the child's home culture and

then teach them about others as well. Georgraphy has two divisions - physical and political.

For physical georgraphy, we teach the children basic forms of landmass using models,

pictures and books. We are teach them about climate zones and how they affect the people

that live in them. For political geography, we look at the divisions in the world that have been

put in place by humans themselves.

 

French

 

Small Town Pre-Montessori School is pleased to offer a Casa French Program. This

program, for children 3-6 years of age, is offered fully in French, taught by a certified

Montessori teacher and follows the Montessori philosophy.

 

Visual Arts

 

Children are encouraged to explore their creativity by using various art media such as

tempura and water paints, markers, colored pencils, crayons, collage, etc.. Each month,

the students explore a famous "Artist of the Month," as with Pablo Picasso's “Mains Aux

Fleurs” above.

 

Physical Education

 

Children participate in weekly physical education classes to strengthen their balance, hand-eye coordination, tactile awareness, directionality and agility. Cooperative games strengthen the classroom community and encourage the spirit of good sportsmanship.