Introduction

Our Montessori program addresses all aspects of a child's development: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, moral and aesthetic. All of the Montessori materials in the classroom have a purpose and each lesson corresponds to the child's individual stage of development and builds on knowledge gained during an earlier lesson. Children are encouraged to use teachers as a resource.

The activities progress from concrete to more abstract levels of knowledge and understanding. As the child masters each lesson, he or she gains self-confidence and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. The atmosphere is non-competitive and productive. The children learn to work independently and to cooperate with others. They develop their decision-making skills, creativity skills and knowledge of social graces, while having fun at the same time.

Shining Stars has a full Montessori program that includes:

• Practical Life: This curriculum helps children to practice their small motor skills. The children learn focus and concentration through working on the exercises. They learn good work habits and how to be part of a group of children.
• Sensorial: The sensorial apparatus isolates one sense at a time for refinement and discrimination. The children learn to discriminate between different degrees of sound, touch, smell and visual differences. The activities are a direct preparation for academic learning.
• Language (English and French): Pre-reading and phonic activities are taught using sight, touch and hearing. The children also practice verbal skills, handwriting, and sound recognition, phonetic word-building, early reading and listening skills. The French language is also introduced to the children using these methods and also they will participate in fun, educational French circle times.
• Math: The children are introduced to materials that go from recognition of numbers and simple counting to the more abstract four math operations.
• Music and movement: This curriculum incorporates musical games, concepts, and artistic self-expression.
• Science: Includes learning about geography and environmental awareness, cultural diversity, biology, zoology, and hands-on science activities.
• Arts and crafts: There will be opportunity for the children to practise their small motor skills and artistic expression through working on arts and crafts projects.
• Indoor and Outdoor activities: Every month there will be a teacher-chosen theme to learn about and explore that will accompany the Montessori curriculum.
• Snacks: A healthy morning and afternoon snack will be provided for the children each day. However, children will be expected to bring their own packed lunches.