Montessori Curriculum

Montessori education is a scientifically based educational approach founded by Doctor Maria Montessori. This amazing philosophy is as relevant today as it was in 1907. Montessori education is based on the belief that all children are unique individuals, they have immense potential and that they want to learn and be busy.

One of the most important aspects of the Montessori philosophy is the prepared environment. At Monash Early Learning Centre every detail of the environment is carefully planned and organised in a way to meet the needs and interest of the children within each age group. The activities are hands on, stimulating and exciting and give the children the opportunity to explore, discover and create.

Within the Montessori environment there are five areas of learning including, practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language and culture.

Practical Life

Practical life activities use real life objects and help children to learn skills such as pouring, transferring, sorting, food preparation and sewing. These kinds of activities are important in helping a child to develop their concentration, independence and fine motor coordination.

Sensorial

Sensorial activities are materials designed to help a child discover their different senses. Sensorial activities concentrate on each separate sense and include visual perceptions such as dimension, colour and shapes, touch, sound and taste.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a hands-on experience within the Montessori environment, beginning with indirect mathematics concepts such as rhymes and songs, then sandpaper numerals, one to one correspondence, addition up to the golden bead work and beyond, continually building on the child’s mathematical mind.

Language

Language is explored phonetically with the child being exposed to initial sounds and word patterns through games, rhymes, poems and songs. The children then build on their knowledge using sandpaper letters, objects and then word building using the large moveable alphabet.

Culture

Cultural experiences include geography, history, nature and science, beginning with focusing on the child’s immediate world around them, their community, therefore helping each child to feel a sense of belonging. Through cultural activities children are able to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world around them. We encourage the children and their families to share their own stories and backgrounds. Creative arts such as painting, drawing, sculpting and dancing are also incorporated into the daily routine allowing the children to express themselves freely.

As well as all the wonderful experiences of the Montessori philosophy Monash Early Learning Centre also covers the Early Years Learning Framework.