The Montessori Method
The method of teaching at The Little Ark Montessori Nursery School is based on the Montessori Method of Early Education. The apparatus is interesting and stimulating and makes learning fun and easy. There are three main rooms within the nursery, one of which has been equipped to cover the five main areas of the Montessori Curriculum.
The Montessori Curriculum
Practical Life:
Practical Life activities promote independence, co-ordination and fine/gross motor skills. They also develop the child's concentration and dexterity. These are everyday activities with which the child may be familiar at the home such as sweeping, polishing, pouring and sorting. Dressing frames are played with to show children how to use buttons, zips, laces and poppers.
Sensorial Activities:
These attractive materials are designed to stimulate each of the senses and to develop the ability to make fine discrimination.
They are designed to heighten the child's awareness of the world around him/her and help prepare the child for many later Montessori activities, especially Maths and Cultural Work. The materials included are the Pink Tower, Red Rods, Smelling Bottles, Sound Cylinders, Tasting Drops and Rough and Smooth Boards.
Language Activities:
Early Language experience is gained through talking, listening, books, poems and songs. When a child is ready he/she will be taught the sound and shapes of letters. These are taught on an individual basis, a few letters at a time. The child will then be introduced to the large moveable alphabet which he/she can use to write words. In the beginning the child will write three letter words phonetically, then reading and wirting are further introduced using various structural Montessori activities.
Mathematical Activities:
The child will be prepared for the early numerical experiences through the Sonsorial activities, e.g. sorting, weighing, matching, and joining. When the child's interest in numbers has been developed he/she will be introduced to five stages of maths activities progressing from the simple to the complex. Examples of these are Number Rods, Sandpaper Numbers, Numbers written on Cards and Counters, Spindle Boxes, Decimal System Boards Decimal System Board, Addition/Subtraction Beads, Multiplication/Fraction Circles.
Cultural Activities:
Projects will be carried out throughout the year conducted in groups e.g. Flags, Globe and Puzzle Map work, Study of Land, Water and Weather. Other projects include History, Science, People and Children of the World, Nature, Conservation and the Environment Around Us.
1. Personal and Social Development
This will focus on children learning to work, play and co-operate in a group setting outside their homes. They will learn to share and take turns. They will learn the importance of respecting other people's cultures and beliefs, and their relevant religious events.
2. Language and Literacy
Children are taught to listen attentively and talk about their experiences. They will learn to enjoy books, story telling, singing, and poetry. All of these areas of learning make vital contributions to the successful development of literacy.
3. Mathematics
The foundations of numeracy focuses on practical activities using mathematical language such as colour, shapes, size and quantity. Number songs and stories, and counting games all begin an awareness of numbers.
4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World
These outcomes focus on children developing an understanding of their environment and the people of our world. Children are encouraged to explore and talk about their observations.
5. Physical Development
The development of children's physical control and mobility encourages a positive attitude towards a healthy and active way of life.
6. Creative Development
Through art, music, dance, stories, and imaginative play, your child's imagination will develop.
