Ark of Angels Montessori Preschool - What We Are
"Education is not something which the teacher does . . . it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." - Dr. Maria Montessori
Montessori is an educational method of teaching children that is based on a child's natural desire to learn, combined with a basic respect for the individual child. Through a specifically prepared environment where children progress at their own pace; spiritual, social, intellectual, and physcial growth happens naturally. Montessori students learn at their own speed, working individually or in small groups, through hands-on, self-directed experiences.
At Ark of Angels Preschool the Montessori philosophy combines effortlessly with Christian values. Our Christian faith teaches us that each child brought into this world is a unique and cherished individual. We nurture faith, learning and individual growth through our unique program.Montessori in Action
A Montessori classroom encourages independent, critical thinking and a love of learning through an environment that uses bright, cheerful, exciting, and stimulating materials created for young children.
Ark of Angels classrooms will have defined areas for development that include:
Exploring Practical LifeWhether it's pouring and mixing different ingredients, polishing shoes, gardening, or sifting flour, children will start learning to care for themselves and the environment while completing a task from beginning to end.
Experiencing with SensesYoung children learn a tremendous amount through their senses.Montessori sensorial materials provide a good basis for learning. Children learn to distinguish different smells, tastes, temperatures, textures, colors and volume. They can refine these skills with more complex materials such as graded color tablets or three dimensional solids. Children are free to use blindfolds so they can experience their non-visual senses. For example they are encouraged to feel for the matching fabric or listen for the correct sound cylinder. All materials provide a control of error so the child can correct themselves and accomplish a task while working on their own.Developing Language SkillsOur language curriculum centers on creating a lifelong love of reading. Students are introduced to alphabets sounds through the use of Montessori sandpaper letters. Each child progresses according to his of her own interests and ability.Identifying initial consonant sounds, blending sounds to form works and spelling patterns are introduced through Montessori movable alphabet and Montessori pink and blue materials.
Discovering Math ConceptsThe goal of our program is to help children develop an understanding of numbers through the use of concrete materials. Children learn counting, number recognition, patterning, shapes, sorting, and sequencing. They learn spatial relationships and counting with Montessori materials such as the pink tower, broad stairs, number rods and golden bead materials.FaithOur religious curriculum is based on Christian values and biblical teachings. Through examples and role models we teach how to share, to take turns, to be helpful and kind to one another, to walk softly, and to speak quietly and respectfully. Our program combines these values with biblical stories from the beginning of creation to the resurrection of Jesus.CulturalActivities include:
Art in preschool is concerned with the process rather than the product. Through experimentation with a wide variety of media, children are free to explore on their own. Materials provided every day include.
WritingChildren develop muscle control through the use of Montessori materials such as the cyclinder blocks, knobless cylinders, puzzles, and metal insets. Children learn how to hold a pencil and use it to create basic strokes.MusicMusic activities include everyday preschool songs, dancing, and games. Children use individual musical instruments including cymbals, tamborines, bells, triangles, and drums as they learn rhythm and social play. Older children are introduced to the Montessori bells. Here, they learn tones, matching sounds, scales and are introduced to sharps and flats. Children have tapes and CD's available to choose from throughout the day at our listening center.Play and Social DevelopmentA large part of our day is spent in play. Play is a way for children to learn about themselves, others and the world. Children devleop social skills during play. These skills include cooperation, communication, learning about other's feelings and helping each other. Children are encouraged to play with one another and to develop independence from adults. They are able to choose from many different toys and activities.ScienceOur science center includes thematic units that encourage children's exploration of different subjects. Throughout the year, these include: Dinosaurs and fossils, space, hibernation and migration, magnets, leaves and trees, plants, seasons, simple experiments, rainforest, pond life, jungle, frogs, oceans, weather, insects, animals, rocks, care of classroom pets, geographical landforms.
Parent Meeting InformationSeptember 1, 2010April 2010 NewsletterMarch 2010 NewsletterFebruary 2010 Newsletter
