Our Curriculum

What is Montessori?

Montessori refers to an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 20th century. The Montessori method of education is based on the idea that children have an innate desire to learn and that they learn best through hands-on, experiential learning in a prepared environment that supports their natural development.

Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared environments that are designed to support children’s learning and development. They are equipped with a wide range of learning materials and activities that promote sensory exploration, practical life skills, language development, math and science, and cultural studies.

In addition to academics, the Montessori approach also emphasises the development of social and emotional skills. Children learn to work collaboratively with others, to develop empathy and respect for others, and to become independent, responsible members of their communities.

Overall, the Montessori approach to education is based on the belief that children learn best when they are engaged in purposeful, meaningful activities that align with their natural interests and abilities. By nurturing children’s innate desire to learn and providing a supportive environment that fosters their development, the Montessori method helps children become confident, independent, and lifelong learners.

 

Activities for everyday living

These exercises are enjoyable tasks based on day to day activities in the home. It promotes independence, co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills. It is through these exercises that your child will develop concentration and dexterity.

Sensorial

These activities will stimulate each of the senses and develop the child’s ability to refine their senses, thus preparing the child for the later Montessori activities such as language and maths.
Some of the materials used are listed below:

  • Pink tower
  • Knobbed cylinders
  • Rough and smooth boards
  • Sound boxes

Literacy

Reading is promoted by sound recognition and other phonic activities. When a child is ready they will start by being introduced to sandpaper letters, where the sounds are taught on an individual basis. They will then move onto the large moveable alphabet, where the child will build three and four letter words phonetically. The final stage when the child is ready is to begin reading Montessori scheme books.

Numeracy and Arithmetic

When the child’s interest in numbers has been developed the child with be introduced to the maths curriculum. This includes the five stages of maths activities, from the simple exercises to the more complex.
Examples of these are:

  • Number rods
  • Sandpaper numbers
  • Spindle boxes
  • Cards and counters
  • Fraction circles
  • Addition and subtraction rods and beads
  • Multiplication and subtraction boards

Physical

Children have the opportunity to develop their fine and gross motor skills within the Montessori curriculum. We set up activities indoors and outdoors, allowing the children to see the garden as a daily extension to the indoor classroom. This is part of the free flow environment.

Creative

Creative development is encouraged through many forms of play. Some of these are listed below:

  • Art and crafts
  • Drama
  • Imaginative play
  • Painting
  • Messy play
  • Home corner – role play

Knowledge and Understanding

The world is explored in many ways at the Little Learners. Our curriculum covers History, Zoology, Geography and Science. We also think it is important to celebrate varying festivals as well as children’s birthdays.

Curriculum for babies and toddlers

At the Little Learners we have a special curriculum for babies and toddlers that incorporates aspects of the Montessori curriculum, such as practical life activities. For the younger babies we have heuristic play and treasure baskets for exploration of their senses. We also include activities such as classified cards, messy play, role play and physical play. We have a dedicated programme called ‘Famly’ which reports each individual child’s routine to their parents directly through email.