MONTESSORI BASED LEARNING
Every material in a Montessori supports an aspect of child development, creating a match between the children’s natural interest and available activities. Children are able to learn through their own experiences and at their own pace.
SENSORIAL
It is through the five senses that the sensorial materials prepare the child to sharpen their abilities in learning, reading, writing and mathematics. For example the child who has perceived the subtle differences of sounds in the sound cylinders will be more likely to perceive subtle differences in the phonetic sounds of letters. The grasping of small knobs on equipment enables a child to gain control over the small finger muscles he/she will use for writing. Using the senses to explore the diverse materials designed using variable dimension, colour, shape, texture and smell develops all faculties of intelligence.
LANGUAGE
Language is explored phonetically in a Montessori classroom. Initial alphabet sounds are first introduced through the sandpaper letters and matching objects. After the children learn a few sounds, they are then introduced to blending exercises with the moveable alphabet. The metal insets are an exercise used to refine pencil control and help to improve writing skills.
MATHEMATICS
We use hands on materials to provide the child with a simple and clear understanding of the mathematical concepts being taught; examples are: number rods, sandpaper numbers, number boards, number beads, tiles and games. Each exercise builds upon another gradually guiding the child’s mathematical mind from the concrete into the more abstract areas of numeration.
CULTURAL
The cultural area is divided into geography, history, nature and science. There are many geographic materials in the classroom to teach a child their place in the world. History assists a child in learning about the concept of change. By looking at the seasons, studying the weather and changing the calendar daily, it helps the child to establish a cycle of time. Children are encouraged to bring things to put in our nature area. When a child’s birthday arrives there is a special lesson that occurs: a representation of the sun is placed on the floor and the birthday child holds the globe and walks around.
LIFE SKILLS
Four categories of our practical life curriculum include:
grace and courtesy: getting along with others
control of movement: being aware of your body in space
care of self: learning to care for your own needs and helping others who need it
care of environment: cleaning up after yourself and being responsible for your actions
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
A key aspect of the Core Knowledge curriculum is fostering personal and social development. Activities are designed to support children in developing a positive attitude towards themselves and others, identifying the emotions of others and having an awareness of the world around them. Building empathy is an outcome of the curriculum. Understanding feelings and building positive friendships have always been the core goal of the program. Activities about conflict resolution, managing strong emotions, calming oneself, listening and paying attention are covered in small group gatherings.
the himama communication software is at valleyview academy.
With the insight that HiMama app provides, parents can ask more questions and be more involved in their child’s learning and development as desired. With the Hi-Mama app you will get instant notifications of detailed reports on your child's bathroom routine, eating schedule, their mood, any accidents etc. HiMama app allows you to be able to see what they have accomplished and worked on daily. You can also communicate with the childcare providers directly through the app. Upon enrolment, a walk-through of the program will be shown to parents to use the app.