Our curriculum ties in with all the areas
of desirable learning outcomes required by the government. The
quality of educational provision was praised highly in our latest
OFSTED inspection report (2006).
The method of teaching at the Little Learners Montessori School
is based on the Montessori Method of Early Education. The
apparatus is interesting and stimulating and makes learning fun
and easy. The curriculum consists of:
Practical Life: These activities promote
independence, co-ordination and fine/gross motor skills. They
also develop the child's concentration and dexterity. Amongst
other things, the children have an opportunity to set the table,
polish articles, carry out water exercises, do and undo zips,
buttons, poppers, laces and buckles. They have many opportunities
to discuss why things happen and how things work.
Sensorial Activities: These attractive materials
are designed to stimulate each of the senses and to develop the
ability to make fine discrimination. They are designed to
heighten the child's awareness of the world around him/her.
Children enjoy exploring materials of different shapes, textures
and sizes. They have opportunities to play with sound and colour
boxes, which enable them to respond to what they see, hear, smell,
touch and feel.
Language and Literacy Activities: Early language
experience is gained through children talking about their
experiences, listening to stories, reading books, and through
participating in rhymes and songs.
Every child is taught the phonetic sounds and shapes of letters.
The child then progresses to 'build' words using specially
designed Montessori materials, which lead on to writing and
reading. When ready, the child is introduced to the Montessori
Reading Scheme.
Mathematical Activities: The Montessori method
of teaching ensures children enjoy activities such as matching,
grading and pairing. Children use the geometric cabinet to
describe shape, position and size. When the child's interest in
numbers has been developed through sensorial activities and
sandpaper numbers he/she is introduced to more complex maths
activities. These include recognising and writing numbers,
sequencing, quantifying, addition and subtraction.
Cultural Activities: Children are encouraged to
take an active interest in the world around them at all times e.g.
the changing of the seasons, current affairs, personal news,
other cultures e.t.c. Children study plants and animals to foster
a love for growing and living things. We have Montessori
apparatus to specifically teach the children about geography,
biology and history.
Art and Craft Activities: Children are free to
express themselves through painting, drawing, crayoning, sticking
and cutting. Topical craft activities are done by the children to
take home.
Music and Movement: Singing, action rhymes and
dancing are part of everyday life at Little Learners Montessori
School. We have a range of musical instruments for the children
to investigate different sounds and rhythms.
Computer Activities: We have a personal computer
for the children, with a range of simple educational programmes.
These include language, mathematics, shape recognition and
investigative programs.
Physical Activities: All children are invited to join in with our physical activities. These include group games, keep fit sessions, skipping, parachute games, going for walks, playing musical chairs and many more.