The Role Of Culture And Science In A Montessori School
The study of Culture and Science in a Montessori school encourages preschool students to discover past and present cultures and to explore our living planet. In exploring our world, the people, and all other living and non-living things, students will learn about geography, history, biology, zoology, art, and music. Cultural awareness helps children build self-esteem and identity and the introduction of the science curriculum encourages children to understand critical concepts through hands-on discovery.
Geography
In a Montessori classroom, students learn about different cultures and languages. Using sensorial materials like wooden map puzzles children explore continents and countries, flags, terrain, and more. This helps children understand how large and multifaceted our world is and these concepts promote the appreciation of our similarities and diversity.
History
History in a Montessori preschool classroom focuses on the process of time and the unique history of each student's life illustrated with their own personal timeline. Time is a very abstract concept to most preschool-aged children, so using sensorial materials such as egg timers and hourglasses, and seasonal, yearly, and weekly calendars introduces children to the passage and duration of time.
Biology
Biology is the study of all living things. Biology in the Montessori preschool classroom is intended to cultivate a deep and life-long connection with nature and underpin our responsibility to care for our planet. By exploring plants, their different parts, how they grow, identifying species through their leaves and colours, and observing flowers and vegetables growing in the Montessori classroom, children gain an understanding and appreciation of our environment.
Zoology
This subject area gives children the opportunity to understand the living and non-living components of our ecosystems. Using hands-on objects and pictures, children are encouraged to categorize: living and non-living, plants and animals, and vertebrates and invertebrates. By exploring the distinct features of different animals, their habitats and diets, their body parts, and where they live, children are able to logically sort through, identify, and make sense of the world around them.
Art And Music
In a Montessori school, art and music are about beauty and expression. Children are encouraged to understand themselves and communicate emotions, creativity, and experiences with sound and movement. Using sensorial materials such as The Bells, the Montessori Method encourages child-led freedom to explore while developing fine and gross motor skills, auditory and visual discernment, and self-definition.
By exposing preschool children to these advanced yet simplified concepts of culture and science, the Montessori preschool program nurtures and inspires a child’s natural curiosity and their drive to make sense of the world around them. It helps children define their role in their community, understand the concepts that unify people, and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Culture And Science At Grey Matter Montessori School
No two children learn exactly the same way. Grey Matter Montessori is committed to providing an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where your child can lead their own unique journey to explore the concepts of Culture and Science the Montessori way. A Montessori preschool program empowers your child to cultivate their natural curiosity and make sense of the world around them and their important role within it.
Learn more about The Long-Term Benefits Of A Montessori Preschool Education here.
If you are interested in learning more about Culture and Science or any of the 5 key subject areas or exploring the benefits of the preschool classroom in a Montessori school and the advantages 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: Why is science taught in Montessori preschool?
A: Believe it or not, children begin learning about science before they even enter a Montessori classroom. Science is about understanding our world, how things work, and what they mean. You began teaching your child about science the first time you answered, “Why?”. Science teaches preschoolers about the world around them, but also about themselves.
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.
