The Montessori Curriculum

Practical Life

The Practical Life area of the classroom is the first of six core subjects, which include Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. The Practical Life area is crucial to a child’s foundation. In this area of the classroom, children will see objects they have seen at home with which they are familiar. They experience a degree of comfort at being able to use items in their home here at school. By presenting life skill activities in a specific manner, we are able to build concentration, independence, sequential thinking, and hand-eye coordination. This part of our curriculum also supports ‘Care of Self’ and ‘Control of Movement.’

Sensorial

The Sensorial area of the Montessori classroom encourages a child to learn through use of the senses. As the child learns to order and categorize his world, he uses his senses. The eye develops the ability to see subtle differences between objects, and the mind is expanded with mathematical concepts, which are foundational for higher thinking. Dr. Montessori said, “The hand is the instrument of the mind,” as children learn to focus on the task at hand by doing and exploring the prepared environment. Stereognostic exercises are imperative because the child’s hand guides his ability to create images in the brain, as he moves from the concrete stage of development to the abstract.

Math

Math lessons are presented from the earliest point using materials designed to expand mathematical language and thinking. From arithmetic to algebra our Primary class children enjoy all the math materials. Math mistakes and misconceptions are avoided in the self-corrective materials the children use. Added to our lessons are the math ‘Hot Talk Cool Moves’ strategies that encourage a child to verbalize their thinking as they build cognitive awareness skills.

Language Art

As you visit our classrooms, you will see many activities which may appear unusual; however, each material is designed with purposeful intent. We build language and make thought connections. We build curiosity about reading and language, as we use literature to learn about the broader world around us. Our stories come alive as we employ drama and story-telling to move from the concrete experience to abstract thought. Montessori uses a strong phonics foundation from which to spring into whole language, inspiring a child to read independently.

Science

Nature is our first science lab where the natural curiosity of the child must be fostered. Observing natural processes, life cycles, earth’s physical changes, classifying plants and animals, and learning about their parts and functions help the child to understand that natural laws are universal. Students have fun exploring, experimenting, investigating, and gathering data. The use of a ‘control’ and a ‘variable’ becomes second nature, as students use that methodology for much of their work in the classroom.

Social Studies

Students will develop a global perspective by reading stories and singing songs of people from different cultures. This will make learning fun, as they appreciate that they have more similarities than differences with children across the globe.

Music

Though frequently overlooked in some programs, we understand the importance of using music to enrich a child’s learning experience; therefore, we incorporate the Orff instruments, created by German composer and educator Carl Orff, which not only help your child to fine tune his/her listening, but offer your child the space to discover the beauty of silence, as it is used to punctuate sound.

Art

At AMPS Montessori, every child has the opportunity to explore and discover the artist within. From water colors and acrylics to weaving and collaging, your child will enjoy the art lessons offered here at school. Using art to learn about our culture, as well as, other cultures provides a rewarding experience.