The Dearborn Montessori Preschool is an academic program that educates the whole child; socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. The Montessori method uses a “prepared environment”. Its structure involves many materials used independently. The teacher acts as a facilitator, the child as the active learner. This is the core of Montessori’s educational philosophy.
Preschool is open to children who are 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the current school year.
Montessori Philosophy
The preschool curriculum and environment is designed around the teachings of Maria Montessori. The classroom environment provides the children with life skills and productive work habit early on so that a foundation can be laid for future learning. The uniqueness of this classroom is that the children are learning at their own levels and progressing at their own rates.
Howe Montessori Preschool’s focus on the following areas:
- Practical Life – The practical life area provides a foundation for your child’s work habits and helps develop courteous behavior. Ground rules and manners are part of this curriculum. Tasks performed in this area include: pouring, spooning, stringing, washing, and preparation of food. These tasks develop concentration, large and fine motor coordination, order and independence.
- Sensorial – The sensorial materials help refine the senses and are an indirect preparation for your child’s future study of language, mathematics, and writing. Visual discrimination is developed through matching, patterning, and building of a variety of materials.
- Language – The language area develops your child’s appreciation for the written word. Preparation for reading begins through matching, sequencing, rhyming, and the introduction of letter phonetically. There are various supplemental materials in this area, which aid in the development of language skills.
- Math – The math area provides your child with a beginning foundation for a lifelong appreciation and understanding of mathematical principles. This foundation is built by counting objects, sandpaper number (0-9), red and blue rods, bead stair, number boards, and the introduction to addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction.
- Social Studies & Geography – The social studies and geography area help your child to begin to understand his or her relationship to the world geographically and culturally. Here he or she can explore through the use of books, maps, puzzle, and various hands-on materials.
- Science – The science area gives your child the opportunity to discover and explore through the sue of various hands-on materials. These activities encourage development of scientific and organizational skills.
More about Howe Montessori Preschool Admissions and Tuition.