Curriculum
In both Montessori and Reggio, the environment is the third teacher. The set up is important in allowing children to freely explore. Teachers intentionally organize and plan various spaces for children. The daily schedules are planned to ensure that there is a balance between individual, small and large group activities, child directed and teacher initiated activities and inside as well as outside experiences.
MONTESSORI INSPIRED
A Montessori inspired program equips children with the activities that will help develop skills necessary to be independent learners. It is designed to take advantage of the sensitive period for learning when children can absorb information easily from an enriched environment. Children are encouraged to explore and engage with activities at their own pace, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence. Our goal is to spark a curiosity, love for knowledge and a strong desire to learn.
Tactile and concrete learning:
Toddlers and preschoolers naturally love to help and mimic the actions of their caregivers, which reinforces their sense of belonging within the family and community. We will introduce your child to practical life activities such as setting the table, tidying up after meals, sweeping, cleaning windows, watering plants, and arranging flowers, among other tasks.
Montessori materials and toys are beautifully crafted and designed to engage children, encouraging them to explore and make discoveries on their own. Our program incorporates Montessori toys and learning resources that support your child’s cognitive development while enhancing their fine motor skills.
Numeracy skills will be developed through hands-on activities that involve manipulating and grouping objects. These tactile experiences lay the groundwork for essential math concepts, including problem-solving, sorting, pattern recognition, subitizing, and graphing, providing a strong foundation for future learning.
REGGIO INSPIRED
A Reggio-inspired program is rooted in the belief that children are natural learners, full of curiosity, creativity, and potential. In this approach, education is child-centered and driven by their interests. The classroom environment plays a crucial role, acting as a "third teacher," designed to encourage exploration and discovery. Spaces are thoughtfully arranged with open-ended materials that invite children to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
Teachers in a Reggio-inspired program are co-learners and guides, observing and listening closely to each child to understand their questions and ideas. Learning is project-based, allowing children to investigate topics of interest in depth, often collaborating with peers to solve problems and express their thinking through various forms of art, language, movement, and play.
Documentation of each child’s learning process is a key element, providing insight into their developmental journey and guiding future learning experiences. Family and community involvement is also highly valued, fostering a holistic and collaborative learning environment. Overall, a Reggio-inspired program honors the individuality of each child, nurturing their sense of wonder, critical thinking, and love of learning.
Monthly themes
The monthly themes are guides to specific topics/activities that we will cover but are not limited to the themes listed. The activities focus on developing language and numeracy skills as well as fine and gross motor skills through sensorial, literacy and numeracy based activities.
Click here for a more detailed curriculum and monthly themes!