![]() Weekly nature walks in the surrounding woods provide an opportunity to see deer and hawks in their natural setting and to monitor the flow of the stream. Worms found in all parts of the playground are carefully placed in the garden soil. Food scraps at lunchtime go into the compost bin and become soil for the garden. ![]() Food and water are put out for birds, chipmunks, and butterflies. From bulb or seed to flower, children plant and maintain the garden in both summer and winter. Our children’s garden, part of a setting certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Schoolyard Habitat, helps the children understand the cycles of life of plants and animals. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” Reflecting her philosophy, our science and nature studies give the children a deep appreciation for our earth and everything in it. Nature Studies: Maria Montessori said that “The land is where our roots are. It’s a perfect place for walks by the stream and exploring nature. Our location at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston is an accredited Backyard Wildlife Habitat as certified by the National Wildlife Federation. In botany we learn about trees, seeds, and flowers through gardening activities and observations on our playground. Then, in zoology we study the five types of vertebrate animals and the invertebrate world’s insects and arachnids. Starting with the basics, we explore the concepts of living and non-living, plants and animals. Science: Through observations, experimentation, and research, we explore the worlds of physical and natural science. We try to understand the similarities and the differences in the way plants, animals, and people adapt to the ecosystem in which they live. We then move on to study the World’s seven continents with globes and puzzle maps, cultural items from the continents, and opportunities for tasting foods, dancing to music, and enjoying folk tales. Geography: Our geography studies begin with learning about the land, air, and water that covers our globe. For more information: “How Do Montessori Schools Teach Reading?” Examples in this area include games that provide opportunities for speaking, sandpaper letters for learning the sounds of the alphabet, the movable alphabet for constructing words and sentences, many opportunities for reading, and metal insets of design for perfecting the pencil grip. Language – Our language materials are phonetically based and will help your child develop the skills needed for verbal communication, reading and writing. For more information: “Understanding the Montessori Math Curriculum.” Some examples are: sandpaper numerals for learning the symbols 1–9, the spindle box for understanding the concept of 0, the teens board and tens board for matching quantity and symbol, and the golden beads for understanding the decimal system and performing mathematical operations. A variety of objects are manipulated to learn basic number concepts place value is learned through manipulating the golden beads. Math – Lessons in this area begin with the very concrete and move to the more abstract. Examples in the Sensorial area are: matching sounds or smells, matching or grading colors, grading by size, and learning plane and solid shapes. ![]() Together, these activities form the foundation for mathematical, musical and scientific studies. Sensorial – These lessons sharpen the senses through comparing and contrasting activities, such as matching, grading, and sequencing objects. For more information: “Understanding the Montessori Practical Life Curriculum.” Some examples of these lessons are: spooning and pouring, scrubbing, polishing, sewing, food preparation, and grace and courtesy lessons. They encourage independence and promote the development of a sense of order. The lessons teach responsibility for oneself, others, and the environment. We introduce socialization skills and the work cycle, and practice fine and gross motor skills. Practical Life – Skills learned in this area of the classroom lay a foundation for the rest of the curriculum. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |