Montessori Curriculum
Art
The creative process is very important for young children. We support this by creating many “open ended art projects. Children are able to use his/her imagination and individuality in their art.
Culture
Northstar Montessori preschool's environment includes traditional Montessori works and activities. We want children to be aware of and interested in the world around them and how others live. Geography begins with awareness of other places. We do this through the use of paper maps, puzzle maps, and stories that draw children to different lands. We incorporate celebrations from all over the world to further educate the children about other cultures. We use dramatic play to encourage socialization and awareness of occupations as well as imagination.
Language
Language is an all day everywhere subject. We use a variety of methods to teach and support this skill. Children will learn and recognize the alphabet through phonetic sounds. Children will use sight, touch, and sound to learn. Once this is mastered the will move on to reading and writing.
Math
At Northstar, we have an entire room dedicated to the subject of math. We do simple counting exercises of everyday items. As children learn these we will expend their skills, the next step will be addition, subtraction, decimals, and currency. We may begin the school year by using sandpaper numerals, numerical rods and spindle boxes. We will expand further into the “hundred” board and the 45 layout. This opens many pathways for later learning of higher math skills.
Music and Movement
Our daily music and movement program teaches children the basics of rhythm recognition, “keeping the beat,” and simple dance. They also learn a wide variety of songs, nursery rhymes and get a chance to be conductor of the day.
Outdoor Play
The staff and children go outside everyday as weather permits. Our children are able to exercise their large motor skills outside and in the lower level of the school inside. This is also a great place to socialize. The staff and children go out as often as weather permits.
Practical Life
This takes place everywhere all day long, starting when the children arrive and hang things in the cubbies. This encourages self-control, both mentally and physically. The children hang their things, put lunches away, learn to zip, snap, tie, scoop, spoon ladle and pour liquids. They will also care for a garden, learn to care for themselves, the environment and each other.
Science
The children will be introduced to insects, plants and many other items. They will be able to learn names and specifics about things in nature. We will talk about life cycles and growth patterns.
The children may plant a garden, nurture the plants, then harvest the vegetables to eat. This activity will increase awareness of where their foods come from.
Sensory and Small Motor
Through manipulation of materials, children learn about color, sound, ttaste, smell and touch. They also learn the relationship these items have with one another Materials such as: the geometric solids, knobbed cylinders, cylinders, trinomial cube, binomial cube, rough and smooth basket, sensory tables, and rectangular prisms are just some of the items that help to enhance a child’s understanding of his/her physical environment. Sensorial activities are a great lead-in for math.
