"I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method."
-- Dr. Maria Montessori
Our philosophy is to assist children in the building of good self-image by providing a stimulating atmosphere for social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth and development. Our goal is to:
- improve, not perfect
- build on strengths
- encourage trial and error
- motivate the child
- promote and model mutual respect
We believe all children have a right to be themselves. We will offer experiences from them to utilize their own strengths and to develop at their own pace in a non-competitive environment.
Our teachers at First Choice Montessori are dedicated to provide the best learning environment for each child. We pride ourselves in providing caring and nurturing environment for the child and the parent(s).
In our Montessori preschool, five distinct areas constitute the prepared environment:
- Practical Life enhances the development of task organization and cognitive
order though care of self, care of the environment, exercised of grace
and courtesy, and coordination of physical movement.
- The Sensorial enables the child to order, classify, and describe sensory
impressions in relation to length, width, temperature, mass, colour,
pitch, etc.
- Mathematics makes use of manipulative materials to enable the child
to internalize concepts of numbers, symbols, sequences and memorization
of basic facts.
- Language arts include oral language development, written expression,
reading, and the study of grammar, creative dramatics, and children's
literature. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through
the use of sandpaper letters, alphabet cutouts, and various presentations
allowing children to link sounds and letter symbols effortlessly and
to express their thoughts through writing.
- Cultural activities expose the child to basics in geography, history, and life sciences. Musical, art and movement education are part of the integrated cultural curriculum.
The preschool environment unifies the psychosocial, physical and academic functioning of the child. Its important task is to provide students with an early and general foundation. This includes a positive attitude toward school, inner security and a sense of order, pride in the physical environment, abiding curiosity, a habit of concentration, habits of initiative and persistence. The ability to make decisions, have self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility to other members of the class, school and community. This foundation will enable them to acquire more specialized knowledge and skills throughout their school career.
Click here to learn more about the Montessori Method.