The morning starts precisely at 9:15 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.

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.

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.

Starting in June 2010 we have also found using the Apple iPad has proved remarkably effective with this group. Tracing letters, identifying shapes, learning about food groups, animals and even speech development are some of things things we using the the iPad for. Ask for a demonstration when you visit.

After circle time, children sit down to work with a Montessori activity for half an hour. The class usually works in two groups of ten. Toilet training, developing concentration, teaching children to work without disturbing others is a key focus in the class.

The key to sucess in this class is making children calm and focused before they start to learn complex activities, jobs or concepts. We do that with a variety of activities such as the Montessori cylinders which focus the mind of the young child. Routine, precise schedules and consistency establishes sense of safety for the child. And only then can the child start to learn.

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).