School-Aged Program

Eligibility for School-Aged Program

Children must reach their fifth birthday no later than December 31 to start the school aged program.  As well, the child must be registered and in attendance at Island Montessori no later than the last Friday of September.  Please note that fees for non-Canadian residents may be substantially higher than the fees for Canadian residents.  For more information, please enquire directly with the school office.

Activities

• French, sign language, and computer instruction;
• Group time (songs, stories, fingerplays, etc.) daily;
• Gym time (each child will go at least once a week);
• Art days – all children have at least two full sessions per week of uninterrupted time that she/he may spend in the Art Area.  In addition, painting, chalking, playdough and other creative activities are available at all times, and often there are class art projects;
• Fridays are SPECIAL DAYS – group art and cooking projects, dress-up days, board game days, book days, field trips, etc.  These activities are not restricted to Fridays, but we always try to plan something to boost everyone’s spirits at the end of the week;
• Nature walks and other impromptu activities (group and individual) happen frequently;
• Snack is available at all times.

Consolidation of Knowledge and Extension of Experience

Through gradual sequencing of the exercises in each area of the classroom, children come to understand the idea that facts, knowledge and skills are not isolated, but build on previous knowledge and skills.  Activities involve either practical life skills using materials that a child uses and sees in his daily life, or we relate the learning and knowledge to the child’s own experiences, and extend this into the world around him (e.g. when learning colours, children look for objects of certain colours in the environment).  Also, children have many opportunities to share their ideas and experiences.

Introduction to Reading and Mathematics

In addition to the basic Montessori materials, exercises and activities that were specifically designed to foster growth in these areas, there are many other opportunities each day to develop reading and math skills where children learn naturally and easily (e.g. ‘reading’ the snack menu, counting activities at grouptime, cooking projects – following a recipe, and so on).

Orienting Children to the Community and Its Services

The children learn about their community through library books, field trips, in-class visits, films, participation in group activities, and in discussions about their own experiences.