The Pre-School Curriculum

Practical Life
Every morning upon entering our classroom each child is greeted by the teacher with a handshake and a warm smile. Social graces and courtesies become second nature for our students because they are practiced and modeled throughout the day. Other important life skills that are ordinarily found within the adult environment offer exciting challenges to our children. On any given day the children can be found sweeping, watering plants and even window washing. Prepared activities such as water pouring in glass vessels, table setting, and sewing require a high level of concentration and are enjoyed by all. The aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon fill our classroom as children use their fine motor skills to grate spices. Dressing skills are practiced daily as the children learn to put on shoes and jackets. The self-esteem and independence developed through Practical Life activities along with Grace and Courtesy are the foundation of our classroom community.

Sensorial Activities  
Through the use of Montessori Sensorial Materials, our students are able to determine differences in color, texture, size, weight, shape, sound and smell. Their senses are refined and cognitive skills such as association and comparing are developed. The students are introduced to these materials through daily lessons. Children work independently or with friends as they develop their observation skills and enhance their vocabulary. Children are able to combine lessons and materials as they move forward in their development. As our students discover new concepts through the use of the materials, they are able to more clearly understand and observe the world around them.

Mathematics   
Our students learn about quantity, numerical values and the decimal system through the use of concrete mathematical materials designed by Maria Montessori. Working with the Spindle Boxes, Bead Chains and the Red and Blue Rods children learn about abstract ideas and problem solving in mathematics. Our students enjoy playing math games to reinforce new concepts. The teachers at MCDS enjoy helping students build a strong foundation in math through developmentally appropriate activities and respect the fact that each child will progress in his or her own way.

Language Arts  
Our children begin their journey into the art of written and spoken language through the use of Montessori Materials such as the Sandpaper Letters, the Moveable Alphabet and the Metal Insets. Initially, children learn the sounds of the Sandpaper Letters. Soon, they begin to blend those sounds to make words. They are introduced to writing by forming letters in the Sand Tray. Their pencil grip is strengthened by tracing the shapes of the Metal Insets with pencil crayons. Along with the traditional Montessori Language Arts program we have incorporated the use of Primary Phonics readers and workbooks for children who have developed a solid language foundation. All of our students receive individualized attention from teachers and are encouraged to work at their own pace.
Our Language Arts program is enriched by offering a wide variety of literature to our students. Our children’s library is refreshed frequently in accordance to the themes and concepts being discussed in class. Our students enjoy having stories read to them daily as they develop their listening skills. Additionally, our students are also introduced to the Spanish language as well as the Sign Language Alphabet.

Geography  
Working with specially designed Montessori maps and globes children learn to identify the continents. Each continent comes to life as our students learn about the countries, flags, animals, people and food native to the area. Learning about land and water forms becomes an exciting hands-on activity for our students as they create islands and lakes. The children develop an appreciation of different cultures when guest speakers share their experiences in different areas of the world. Through daily lessons and hands on activities our student’s curiosity about the world is stimulated.

Botany and Zoology  
Our students take pride in caring for and learning about our classroom plants and animals. Daily lessons with Montessori materials designed to teach plant and animal classifications reinforce our observations and discussions. Planting seeds allows children to study the root system and measure and record plant growth. Throughout the year our students learn about wild animals from all over the world and their natural habitats. To coincide with our study of animals, a wildlife educator visits our classroom with a live animal exhibit each year.

In the Spring, our classroom butterfly garden brings excitement and wonder to the children as they watch caterpillars transform into butterflies. Our students feed and nurture these little creatures while journaling their observations. When the caterpillars have completed their metamorphosis, our students release the butterflies into their natural environment. Spring also brings the culmination of our school year. Like the butterflies, our children leave their cozy cocoon to go out and explore their world with a new level of knowledge, independence and curiosity!

Music Appreciation  
Classical music fills the classroom as our students go about their daily activities. Each day the music of a famous composer is chosen and discussed. Through hands on participation, the children are able to identify instruments and instrument families. Their favorite seasonal songs and finger-plays are integrated into our daily curriculum. From Mozart to Five Little Monkey's, our children develop an appreciation for music and song in a fun and interesting way.

Art  
The great works of Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh inspire our young artists to explore their own artistic abilities. Through classroom discussion and demonstration our students learn about the lives of these famous artists and the techniques they used to create their pieces. Our budding young artists love expressing themselves at the easel with tempera paints and watercolors. Their masterpieces are displayed for all to enjoy in our classroom art exhibits. Our art area also provides choices for self-directed seasonal artwork involving drawing, cutting, and gluing. These art projects build upon themes and concepts covered in class throughout the year. Through observation and experience, our students learn to appreciate and respect all forms of visual art.