Our mission is to create a happy and nurturing environment for children between the ages of 18 months to 6 years old, which is conducive to the development of their social, intellectual, academic, physical and artistic skills. Moreover, children are encouraged to achieve their full potential, discover joy of working and learning, explore and solve problems, develop social skills and independence. We are committed to provide children with the required individual attention and encouragement to learn and explore various subjects at an improving pace.
In order to achieve the above goals, our Casa program is based on the Montessori method of early childhood education for children between the ages of 2 1/2 to 6 years old. Our “Toddler” program (ages 1 1/2 up to 3 years old), however, is based on the “Early Childhood Method of Education” and focused on developing and enriching Toddlers’ vocabulary as well as eye and hand co-ordinations, social skills, fine and gross motor activities, arts and craft, etc. This is a preparatory program, primarily for younger siblings of our Casa students as well as for those children who would be moving on to our Casa program when they reach the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years old. Our “Toddlers” will have fun-packed, creative and educational programs on a daily basis.
FGMP School Handbook – Policies & Guidelines
The Purpose of Montessori Education
The Montessori method of early childhood education is based on cultivating each child’s natural desire to learn and experiencing the excitement of learning by his/her own choice using Montessori materials. Through a program of individualized daily learning, children acquire the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic in the same natural way as they learn to walk and talk. This same approach of channeling their natural curiosity, enthusiasm and self- motivation into an enjoyable learning experience is applied to additional academic activities including natural sciences, geography, French introduction, music, arts, crafts and physical activities.
Therefore, the materials that the children use and the activities that they engage in, help them develop concentration, co-ordination, and work habits as necessary tools for more advanced learning and development at later stages of their lives. Moreover, independence, self confidence, self-esteem, positive and creative thinking will be instilled in children as a consequence of the implementation of Montessori principles. These habits and skills are the necessary foundation for the children’s future success as well as their wholesome growth.
Childhood is a time for fun and learning…
As already mentioned, our Educational Program is based on Dr Maria Montessori’s principles of early childhood education and includes the following:
Practical Life Exercises are familiar activities, which the child can relate to.
The Sensorial Materials train the child to observe, make comparisons and form accurate judgments.
The Mathematics Program allows the child to experience mathematical relationships and concepts.
The Language Program develops the child’s communication skills, first in oral then in written forms.
Introduction to French together with Art, Crafts, Drama and Music “For Fun” are an integral part of daily classroom activities, as are Natural Science, History and Geography.
Education, both indoors and outdoors, is an on-going feature of the daily program.
Education, both indoors and outdoors, is an on-going feature of the daily program.
The mixed age group provides a real life setting, in which the children learn the skills of co-operation and friendship.
The three year cycle…
It is important to note at the outset that children could only benefit fully from the Montessori program if they are allowed to follow through the “three year cycle”. This is due to the fact that the time and effort spent in learning various subjects – specially in language and math.- during the first two years, come together and into fruition in the third year.
