Early Learning Centre
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE (18 MONTHS – 6 YEARS OLD)
MONTESSORI APPROACH
In SNA Early Learning School, children are provided with carefully designed Prepared Environment that brings them towards their optimum potential. We use a comprehensive Montessori Method with a planned programme of learning activities to meet the children’s intellectual, social and emotional needs. This is to ignite their enthusiasm for learning from a young age.
THE PEDAGOGY
At our Early Learning Centre, children are guided to construct their own learning, learn to ask questions, are encouraged to pose possible explanations and even test their own ideas. The outcome of a Montessori curriculum of education is a confident, smart and independent child. Through the Montessori approach, the child develops the attitude for love of work and refinement of movements. Likewise, children were able to establish a strong foundation in both oral and written communications. The Montessori approach of education is the right preparation for children to get ready for a more complex school environment in Primary education.
When the child reaches the Peak of Normalization, he exhibits the following characteristics: Love of Learning, Ability to concentrate, Independence, Self discipline, Self motivation, Pleasure in working for his or her own sake, Ability to work alone. All subject areas in Montessori curriculum are carefully prepared to stimulate the personal, physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development of the children.
OUR MONTESSORI MENTORS
Our Montessori Mentors have undergone a rigorous structured training in child psychology and development. The training includes developmental psychology, Montessori theory and hands on classroom training, as well as observation and teaching practice. The training of the teacher who is to help nurture life is something far more than a learning of ideas. It is a training of character; likewise, it is a preparation of the spirit.
ELC FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
In-house Montessori training is designed and conducted in SNA by trained and experienced Montessori mentors. Regular training is given to all assistant teachers of the Early Learning Centre in order to help them understand and facilitate in the learning process of the child through the Montessori approach of education.
SNA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE CURRICULUM
- Develops the child’s ability to listen.
- Encourages free oral expression during the “sensitive period” for language.
- Balances both psycho and motor skill for reading and writing.
- Provides a series of exercises for both writing and reading.
- Helps the child to understand the basic Math concepts and operations.
- Develops number readiness through concrete experiences, stories, songs and games.
- Integrates arithmetic and geometry experiences in one’s movements such as the ability to calculate.
- The materials are grouped into (a) Numbers 1 to 10; (b) Introduction to Decimal system; (c) Teens & Tens; (d) Basic Math operations and fractions.
Brings the child to the world through the study of:
- Geography – Learn about facts of the world, e.g. here the child lives.
- History – Learn about changes of things with time.
- Botany & Zoology – Learn about plants and animals.
- Science – Experience physical phenomenon exhibited on earth.
- Music & Arts – Develop aesthetic sense and appreciation of beauty.
- Develops the ability to distinguish colour, form, dimension, sound, taste, smell, and touch.
- Sharpens the child’s sense of observation and mental alertness.
- Enriches the child’s sensorial language expression.
