Early Childhood

Sensorial Awareness

Our sensorial awareness exercises provide purposeful movement and aid in muscular coordination. Children become aware of details by learning to finely discriminate among textures, colors, and dimensions. They learn one-to-one correspondence in matching/sorting and grading/discerning differences tasks, both necessary cognitive preparations. Intelligence is built up as the child learns to distinguish, categorize, and relate new information to what s/he already knows.

The children move through the structured materials independently, challenging themselves and gaining confidence. “Never let a child risk failure unless s/he has a reasonable chance of success,” Montessori states; having observed that carefully planned success motivates further learning.

Language Arts

As for our language arts area, it is designed to enrich a child’s vocabulary and conversation and to establish a personal interest in reading and reading comprehension. Children working with everyday living and sensorial foundation exercises develop many reading readiness skills. As the child shows an interest and a comprehension of activities preparatory to written language, the teacher provides opportunities to explore letter sounds and formation. The unique Montessori approach to language development is a carefully respectful, individualized response to each child’s natural desire to absorb language and communicate.

Creative Arts

The development of problem-solving skills are enhanced when children develop their creative thinking skills through involvement in the arts.

Opportunities for children to be creative are present throughout a Montessori classroom. An easel, paints and colored pencils allow children to creatively explore the shapes they have learned in the mathematics area, the colors and textures they have studied in the sensorial materials, and to bring to life their own imaginations and the  stories they have heard and read in language arts.

In addition, Twin Parks Montessori School's children are introduced to art history and art studio. Each day they explore the work of arts and crafts through the media of paint, color, and a variety of other materials, and through the use of simple desk tools they develop their creative thinking skills and individual expression.

Music

Music is a daily activity that is both spontaneous and planned. It includes an exploration of musical instruments, music makers, and music of many cultures and styles. A Suzuki Violin Program is also available for students 4 and up. (More on our Music Program.) Physical education is also scheduled daily, with children being led in activities that develop gross motor skills such as walking with purpose and balance, running, and jumping.  Our Early Childhood students activate their senses and their awareness of the world around them with daily experiences in Central Park and Riverside Park. They explore the parks during nature walks, and are encouraged to make observations and discoveries while outdoors. Our Early Childhood students also visit local playgrounds and enjoy open play in grassy areas which provides them with ample opportunities to develop social skills. Twin Parks Montessori Schools’ children have ample opportunity to practice burgeoning skills and preschoolers will often repeat an activity over and over. With each repetition, new observations are discerned; stronger physical and mental muscles develop; concentration appears; and with heightened concentration, learning takes place naturally.

Early Childhood Extended Day Schedule