Classes

Sensorial

Exploring the World through the Five Senses

Dr. Maria Montessori identified the period from 2-6 years as the age of the “absorbent mind” . Children come to know and understand the world they live in through their five senses. The Montessori sensorial materials, such as the pink tower, geometric solids, sound cylinders and color tablets help a child to understand and internalize the concepts of size, shape, color, taste, touch and sound. These materials build the foundation for developing skills in the areas of music, mathematics and language.

Math

Journeying form the Concrete to the Abstract

Lessons presented in the practical life and sensorial curriculum lay the groundwork for the child to begin to explore the world of math. The concrete math materials enable the naturally mathematical mind of the preschool child to journey form the concrete tho the abstract through manipulation and experimentation. Children first explore the concept of quantity or “how many”. The Montessori materials build on each other in a natural progession, encouraging the child to explore and discover. From there the child moves on to using symbols or written quantities and then begins to combine quantities for the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Practical Life

The Skills of Daily Living

The practical life area of the curriculum is the bridge for young children between home and school. Practical life activities allow the young child to perform adult activities. The aims of the practical life materials are independence, a sense of order, concentration and coordination. Practical life lessons include care of the person (buttoning, zipping, tying); care of the environment (cleaning, polishing, food preparation); small and gross motor development (pouring, cutting, balancing); and social development (interpersonal skills, grace and courtesy, speaking, participating in a group).

Cultural and Science Activities
Botany, Zoology, Geography and Science
Geography, and the sciences make up the cultural component of the preschool program. The geography curriculuk introduces the concepts of land and water forms, the study of cultures and custom, and the understanding of fundamental human needs through exploration of the seven continents. The science curriculum is aimed at developing an awareness of science concepts through discovery and experimentation. Included within the curriculum are hands-on lessons in the areas of botany, zoology and physical science.

Cultural and Science Activities

Botany, Zoology, Geography and Science
Geography, and the sciences make up the cultural component of the preschool program. The geography curriculum introduces the concepts of land and water forms, the study of cultures and custom, and the understanding of fundamental human needs through exploration of the seven continents. The science curriculum is aimed at developing an awareness of science concepts through discovery and experimentation. Included within the curriculum are hands-on lessons in the areas of botany, zoology and physical science.

Arabic

Dr. Montessori identified the period from 0-6 years as the critical period for acquiring language. Consistent with her philosophy, children at MM participate in Arabic language instruction. Even the youngest children are introduced to the Arabic language through fun and interactive games and activities. Lessons focus on Arabic culture, and children are encouraged to work together on extended projects. The Arabic curriculum includes games, Arabic literature and an exploration of Arabic customs and celebrations. Arabic classes are designed to introduce basic vocabulary and a cultural approach to the Arabic speaking world. Children learn Arabic while having fun by listening to music, playing a variety of traditional Montessori games, as well as engaging in movement and dance activities, videos, and practical conversation.

Music & Movement

Long-lasting benefits

Music instruction cultivates a love and understanding of music and creative movement. The music curriculum invites children to express and invent themselves through dance, move- ment and song. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of music through activities that help explain pitch, rhythm, and the dynamics of sound. This, accompanied with an introduc- tion to classical music and an appreciation for world instruments, promote both creative musical thinking and cultural awareness.

Movement activities allow the children to explore the physical abilities. Movement