Teaching Method
Montessori emphasises a holistic approach to learning, underpinned by respectful behaviour and social grace.
Explore + Discover is a magical environment where children learn to be kind, independent, and develop friendships. We aim for the children to understand feelings, respect for one another, and have the opportunity to develop both holistically and academically. We place a great emphasis on individuality, creativity, and self-expression. We believe in the importance of laying the foundations for good manners, cultural diversity, knowledge, and sociability. We recognize all children are different and have individualised needs
To encourage this, Explore + Discover has two groups: the honeybees: 3-6 years, and the dolphins: 16 months- 3 years. These 2 age groups are determined by emotional and intellectual development. Your child will be transitioned into the older group once the principal is assured that they are ready for the next stage.
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A Montessori classroom is designed to allow every child to work independently. This allows children the freedom to discover on their own. Our teachers introduce all materials, guiding the children through each area of learning. Lessons are given, but ultimately the idea is that children reach the answer by using the “self-correcting” materials that are found only in Montessori classrooms.
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There are six broad areas of learning in the Montessori curriculum. With each area, children start with simple activities and tasks that lead to more advanced and complex skills and concepts:
Literacy
Designed to improve a child’s vocabulary, listening skills and differentiating between objects and pictures, the Montessori literacy curriculum has specialised language activities focused on phonics and writing ability. Our program includes shape recognition, letter sounds, practicing grip development for writing, vocabulary and reading development. We also use the Letterland Scheme to teach phonics using a story-based approach. This engages children leading to long term retention of concepts. Letterland is multi-sensory and activates every learning channel through music, actions, alliteration, movement, song, art, games and role-play.
Numeracy
Simple apparatus is used to encourage the understanding of mathematical concepts. Through engaging activities, children learn about relationship between the symbolic numeral and physical objects.
Areas covered in our curriculum include counting, the decimal system, memory work, concrete abstraction, arithmetic tables and geometry.
Understanding the world
This encompasses science, biology, geography, history and culture. The Montessori methods of teaching are designed to encourage and cultivate a lifelong interest in nature and a curiosity about the world around us.
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Montessori had deep reverence for the natural world. Her cosmic education curriculum stresses the importance of grounding children in an understanding of themselves as a part of the greater universe. She believed that we best develop an understanding of self when we understand the interconnectedness of all things— that true respect for self grows together with deep respect for others and for nature.
Practical Life
Activities of Practical Life help children to gain control in the coordination of their movement, help to develop independence and assist in adapting to surroundings.
Fostering the growth and the development of a child’s intellect and concentration, apparatus encourages the child to develop an orderly way of thinking. These activities help the child to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination which will be precursors for future writing.
Sensory development
Aimed at educating through the use of senses, children are given the key for classifying the things around them. This focuses the child’s attention on one quality such as colour, weight, shape, size, texture, sound or smell. These activities help develop perception and fine motor skill, improving concentration and developing organisational skills.
Creativity
Montessori believes that children use their movements, in particular, their hands to help them to express their thoughts.
We therefore provide an environment where children can
master those skills which would facilitate later drawing and writing.
We encourage the creative process by ensuring the freedom to explore with free access to a variety of art materials.