CLASSROOM
1
The
morning starts precisely at 9:00 with circle time where students
gather around to sing songs, read a story, learn shapes, colors
and basic numbers/sounds and review themes for the month. This
activity usually lasts half an hour. Twice a week we also use
circle time to practice some basic physical exercises, so that
children are fit and ready to work.
After
circle time, children sit down to work with a Montessori activity
for half an hour. The class usually works in two groups of 10-12
each. Toilet training, developing concentration, teaching children
to work without disturbing others is a key focus in the class.
Children
in this class are also taught the basics, such as dressing themselves,
putting away things, pouring exercises before they can move on
to other projects. As adults we often forget children do not know
about these basic things. It takes tremendous patience and practise
to teach children and does not happen overnight. The a time an
effort that only a preschool an provide.
Art
projects, play dough and participating in cooking activities is
also part of the daily schedule.
Students
start to learn 1st and 2nd box of color tablets (see the Montessori
explanation), shapes (square, circle etc), basic numbers from
1-10 (depending on the child’s level), introduction to sounds
(phonics).
A
fun part of this class is the practical life exercises, such as
pouring, spooning, and transferring to develop fine motor skills,
which develops the hand strength of writing. They also work with
tools, such as knob and knob less cylinders for their concentration.
Visit
our downloads
section for a detailed yearly program plan for this class.