How Does The IPC® Complement The Montessori Curriculum?

What Is The Montessori Curriculum?

The Montessori curriculum is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. This method focuses on several key concepts including:

• Using hands-on learning techniques
• Incorporating movement into learning
• Providing an enhanced learning environment that is adaptable to each child’s unique needs
• Encouraging children to learn and progress at their own, individual pace

The Montessori curriculum covers 5 main areas of study:

• Practical Life: Children are encouraged to master the skills needed to accomplish everyday tasks. These skills can boost confidence, foster independence, and improve body and mind coordination.
• Sensorial: This area of study fosters the development and refinement of the five senses through the manipulation of specifically designed learning materials.
• Mathematics: Important math fundamentals are introduced using hands-on activities and stimulating materials.
• Language: All activities in the Montessori classroom naturally enhance the development of language, writing, and reading skills.
• Culture And Science: The Montessori curriculum aims to help children learn the value of all living things, of cultures past and present, and their own importance in the world through the study of geography, history, biology, zoology, art, and music.

What Is The International Preschool Curriculum?

The IPC® is designed by an international association of education specialists to strengthen and enhance early childhood education standards. This curriculum is a three-prong approach:

• Teachers: Educators at IPC® schools are required to complete training and certification from the IPC® College of Teaching.
• Students: Students follow a comprehensive curriculum with clear and specific goals and outcomes.
• Parents: Parental Involvement is a key component of IPC® learning and parents are included in thematic units taught.

The International Preschool Curriculum covers 6 key areas of learning:

• Socio-Emotional Skills
• Motor Skills
• Numeracy
• Language Arts
• Sciences
• Creative Arts

To learn more about these key areas of learning read
A Deep Dive Into the IPC® Core Content Areas

How The Montessori Curriculum And The IPC® Work Together

As you can see, there are many areas where the fundamental concepts and the learning methodologies between the Montessori Curriculum and the International Preschool Curriculum overlap. Both teaching strategies focus on a creative, holistic learning environment. Here are just some of the ways in which a Montessori curriculum and IPC® complement each other:

• Curriculums Are Child-Led: A self-paced approach to learning is encouraged with both methods.
• Prepared Learning Environment: A classroom setup that offers a variety of activities to facilitate exploration and independent learning is a key aspect of both approaches.
• Play-Based: Both methodologies prioritize play-based learning as a way for children to make sense of the world around them.
• Parental involvement: Family involvement is key to a child’s success in both Montessori and IPC® classrooms.
• Lifelong learning: Nurturing a lifelong love of learning is a priority for both of these early childhood education approaches. Using strategies that help children see the importance and the excitement of learning new things sets children up for academic success throughout their years of schooling.

A Comprehensive Preschool Program That Combines

A Montessori Curriculum And IPC®

A Montessori curriculum and the IPC® can be integrated to deliver enhanced opportunities for your child to master the skills and subjects that will set them up for academic success and a lifelong journey of learning and growing. At Grey Matter Montessori we have blended these two advanced early childhood education methodologies to provide Calgary preschool students with a comprehensive preschool program. 

To secure your child’s place for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, apply now.

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a Grey Matter Montessori education for your preschool-aged or kindergarten-aged child, contact us to book a time for a school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori preschool programming at 587-707-4739.

FAQ

Q: Does my child really need to attend preschool?
A: We believe every child can benefit from attending a quality preschool program. To learn more about the value of a Montessori preschool education read more here.

Q: Is there a checklist of things my child must know before attending preschool?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori in Calgary, we value the differences that make each child unique. If your child is aged 3-6 they may be ready to begin to explore learning and we are ready to facilitate it. Learn more about exploring your child’s readiness for preschool here. 

Q: When do you accept registration?
A: Grey Matter Montessori has ongoing registration and even offers advanced registrations (up to two years). Contact our office for more information on the upcoming school year and register as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired days and times.