The Sensorial Area
Children live in a world of senses, and the Montessori sensorial materials enable children to clarify, sort, classify, and comprehend their world. Through sight, touch, sound, taste, and smell, these materials “throw a spotlight” on reality and play a key role giving children concrete examples of abstract terms. These materials also provide a basis for the development of other skills, such as mathematics and language.
The Practical Life Area
This provides the link between home and school. With child size tools that really work, the young child is able to perform the same activities they see adults do, such scrubbing, pouring, sweeping and polishing. The motions help them gain gross motor control and hand-eye coordination. Children learn the intricacies used to care for oneself, one’s possessions, and one’s environment while developing graceful physical and social skills that show respect for oneself, others and the environment.
The Language Area
The Language Area contains the tactile foundation for writing and reading. The first exposure to writing is presented after the physical preparation found in the sensorial area. Eastside Bilingual Montessori provides the child the Spanish sand-paper letters and matching objects to learn the sounds and develop their vocabulary. The children also have Spanish lessons during circle time as a group and as individuals
The Math Area
The Montessori math materials are used in educational settings around the world. They are concrete manipulatives that give each child the opportunity to have a physical experience of mathematics, which allows them to move into abstraction with a real foundation and understanding of math and its underlying concepts. The child learns the concept of "how many" because they can hold the amount in their hands.
Geography & Culture
The Montessori Geography curriculum is two-fold: physical and cultural. Physical geography discusses the formation of the universe, the creation of the earth, and all its physical properties. Cultural geography is the study of human society and culture. The two together show the child that we are all members of the human race who must co-exist peacefully in order to survive.
Science
Science is an integral element of the Montessori curriculum. Science in the classroom is designed to cultivate the child's curiosity and determination to discover the truth for themselves. Children learn to observe patiently, to analyze, and to work with materials both concrete and abstract when solving problems. Students engage in hands-on experiments and typically respond with enthusiasm to the process of carefully measuring, gathering data, classifying, and predicting the outcome.
Art & Music
Art and music are integrated into the prepared environment as part of the day to day activities. Through music and other movement activities the children will be able to sing songs in Spanish and also learn some Latin dance steps.