“Altius Montessori Pre-schooler” (age 3+)
Montessori Methodology of education developed by Dr Maria Montessori is based on self-directed activity, hands on learning and collaborative play.
Children have a natural desire to learn and each child should be nurtured and respected.
The Montessori approach allows children choices thus preparing them to become independent learners. This has a significant impact in the later stage of our children’s development. Children discover the world around them through a hands on approach. This promotes enthusiasm and curiosity driven learning. There are five main areas of focus of Montessori methodology.
1.Practical Life: It helps the child with regards to taking care of himself, the environment, grace and courtesy, food preparation, gross and fine motor skills
2.Sensorial Focus: Sensorial materials are used to help the child discriminate size, colour and form. Exploring and discovering sense of smell, tasting, sound and weight.
3.Mathematics: Maria Montessori developed materials which presents the mathematical concept in a concrete form followed by abstract written version.
4.Language: Through language based activities moveable Alphabet, children learn phonetic sounds and how to compose words phonetically. Using concrete materials they can then compose their own written work.
5.Cultural: Cultural activities expose the child to basics in geography, history, and life sciences. Music, art, and movement education are part of the integrated cultural curriculum
In Montessori school, pre-schoolers attend 3 hours a day which includes morning tea, playtime etc. With Altius Pre-schooler Montessori each session is 45 minutes. Each child is introduced to activities that are observed to be appropriate to that child’s needs on an individual basis. Each activity is presented individually by the teacher and the child then observed with the activity and assistance provided as required. Each child is encouraged to choose their own activities from those they have a knowledge of and they are encouraged to work independently with the activities chosen. New activities are presented and encourage as the child is ready for them.
Benefits of Montessori Early Education
Montessori education is uninterrupted work time. Some studies show that uninterrupted work time can boost children’s focus, concentration and discipline.
It can also improve social functions such as self control and regulation.
Another Montessori advantage is concrete learning. In concrete learning children learn through their minds and bodies.
By using their hands to sort and work with objects they engage many of their senses.
They thus learn faster and more efficiently and often become more focused and engaged.
Self correction and self assessment are an integral part of the Montessori learning experience. Children learn to look critically at their work recognise and correct their mistakes and learn from their errors.
By providing children with the freedom to question, probe deeply and make connections Montessori students learn to become confident, self motivated learners that have an intrinsic love of learning.
Montessori education cultivates engaged learners with positive and confident approach to life long learning.
Montessori graduates range from the founders of Google and Amazon.com Prince William and Prince Harry.
Quotes
Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed. Maria Montessori
Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future-Dr Montessori Own Handbook
Teacher in charge: Anne Edwards who has been a supervior/teacher (second in charge directly assisting Directress) in Cameragal Montessori School . She has over 20 years of Montessori teaching experience. She was responsible for teaching 3 to 6 year olds in the Montessori Method.
