The Montessori Curriculum
The Montessori approach which has been used successfully for over a hundred years, seeks to provide organised play as a means of promoting specific skills and concepts and is very much at one with the EYFS view of learning. In particular, both see observation of children as central to promoting their learning and development.
The learning environments presented by Blue Butterfly Montessori are structured and organised in such a way that children learn through all the senses.
Our Montessori curriculum identifies six key areas of activity which encompass the six areas of learning and development identified and accepted in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). These are namely:
Practical Life
Practical life activities are designed to teach children life skills. The basic principle behind these exercises is that they are transferable into reality. By learning these skills, the child become more independent, improves his/her eye hand co-ordination fine motor skills, precision of movements, strengthen hand muscles and most importantly practice concentration …
… as well as indirectly preparing children for writing. Grace and courtesy lesson are given by modelling behaviour as well as by role playing. Children learn how to dress up by themselves, how to do self – care, prepare food, tidy up and help others. With practice and eventually mastering certain skills comes greater confidence, giving them the internal foundation to believe in themselves with the realisation that they can conquer any task through repetition and perseverance.
(Interlinks with the EYFS- Personal, Social & Emotional Development)
Sensorial
Dr Maria Montessori believed that our intellect and knowledge of the World begins with our sensorial experiences. Children learn through their senses and all the materials in a Montessori environment provide learning through touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing or hands-on manipulation. Children can learn about different textures and materials, using them to create their own patterns and designs …
… through their environment and can then begin to understand their surroundings. Sensorial materials help children to discriminate between and match shapes, sizes, colours, sounds and smells. It also involves their abstract thinking and helps them to get ready for Mathematics.
(Interlinks with the EYFS- Expressive Arts & Design)
Mathematics
Dr Maria Montessori realised that all children have a “Mathematical Mind” and that when they are given the opportunity to explore math in a concrete way, through “hands-on” materials, abstract math concepts become easier to comprehend. All Montessori Mathematics materials are based on abstract concepts and create concrete sensorial learning materials that children use first with guidance from Teacher and then independently. Initial explorations with sensorial materials …
… encourage children to understand basic maths concepts such as learning number recognition, counting, and sequencing of numbers. Sensorial work prepares the child for a more formal introduction to mathematics, and the introduction of abstract mathematical concepts such as the decimal system and mathematical operations. Montessori educated children leave the class with genuine love of numbers and mathematics.
(Interlinks with the EYFS– Mathematics)
Language
There are a lot of opportunity for children to enrich their language and improve communication with their peers and adults. We emphasise the development of vocabulary based on real experiences and building foundation for writing and reading through using Montessori materials such as tracing sandpaper letters, movable alphabet, …
… writing in sand, using special metal insets to encourage tripod grip. Children are introduced to language through phonetic approach and sounds games which builds a strong foundation to process word building and then blending sounds into meaningful words.
Teachers also encourage language development through regular book reading. Visits to our nursery library, show and tell, variety of subjects related to weekly themes all enhance vocabulary but also the child’s knowledge and understanding about the world.
(Interlinks with the EYFS- Communication & Language/ Literacy)
Culture
The Montessori approach covers a wide range of subjects which reflect the broad interests of young children. Using materials that reflect different cultures and beliefs from around the world helps children to develop a cosmic education and to become citizens of the modern world. Cultural activities lead the child to experience music, stories, …
(EYFS – Understanding the World)
Creative
Children have access to art materials and use art easel every day to express their creativity. We introduce children to the Artist of the month where they learn about famous paintings and different styles as well as able to interpret with their own eyes. …
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(EYFS – Expressive Arts and Design)