Curriculum

Goals

To stimulate the growth of the total child
To provide a warm and accepting environment in which each child feels secure, respected and loved
To provide an enriched, stimulating environment with safe limits within which the child is an active explorer and learner
To encourage the child to become self-directed
To provide a framework of discipline through which a child can develop self-discipline and personal strength
To develop creativity and a positive self-image

The Montessori curriculum is divided into the following areas

Practical life exercises

These exercises are designed to help the child learn about care of the environment, care of themselves, grace and courtesy and foster a sense of independence. Exercises include pouring, spooning, saying please and thank you, blowing the nose and washing of hands, putting on coats and shoes and greeting visitors to name but a few. These exercises develop independence, co-ordination, a sense of order and concentration.

Sensorial experiences

In this area, children explore everyting to do with the senses and includes exploring and learning about colour, smell, size and shape, weight, texture, sound and taste!

Mathematics and language

In Mathematics, the children are introduced to the concept of numbers and the decimal system by working from the concrete through to the abstract and the simple to the complex at a pace that suits each child.

In language, many exercises are available to teach pencil control, to strengthen the pincer grip and to make the shapes required for handwriting. Sounds are taught phonetically and using sandpaper letters to give a muscular impression of the shape.

Culture and Science

Children will have the opportunity to explore the world around them, from the vast expanse of the universe, to the worm they find on a nature walk. The continents will be examined along with the animals and people that reside there. Baking, growing, eating, singing and dancing, magnets, sinking and floating, solids and liquids, all are learning opportunities ready to be explored.

Creative and artistic exploration

At Sunflowers, there is a vast array of arts and crafts supplies available at all times for the children to work with when they choose, not just at a designated time or day. Self expression and freedom through many mediums such as paint, clay, cutting and sticking, dance, puppetry, poetry and simple colouring are very important to the development of a rounded individual.