Enrichment

Students are introduced to and eventually study the creation, theory and the aesthetic valuation of music.

Music is one of the most intense, multisensory, and physical activities in which young children can engage together. The music curriculum embraces the pedagogies of Orff, Kodály, and Dalcroze with an emphasis on music literacy, singing, movement, listening, and the playing of instruments. Ear training is developed beginning in early childhood through sound exploration with Montessori bells.

Making music, including tapping, clapping, bouncing, and dancing help develop fine and large motor control. Even simple games, songs, and back-and-forth play build brain and body coordination. Music builds connections across the many regions of the brain needed to carry out the complex actions and interactions.

There should be music in the child’s environment, just as there does exist in the child’s environment spoken speech. In the social environment the child should be considered and music should be provided.

-Maria Montessori
 

Students study the Exploration of various art-making media, they practice fine motor skills, learn the language of art, choose works independently and engage in sensory play. In IK and Elementary, students engage in conversation about artmaking, share their own artwork, and learn about the work of great artists. In Elementary, students demonstrate ability in using a variety of 2d/3d media.

Art gives children a solid foundation for future growth. Through art, they are exploring, creating, expressing, and developing self. Art is a way for children to communicate their feelings. It is through art that children develop their fine motor skills. In the Montessori environment, we provide open-ended art activities that help children explore and use their creativity.

If we try to think back to the dim and distant past... what is it that helps us reconstruct those times, and to picture the lives of those who lived in them? It is their art... It is thanks to the hand, the companion of the mind, that civilization has arisen.

-Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

Incorporating foreign languages helps grow synaptic connections in the brain,  increases knowledge of other cultures, and can improve student's ability to do academic work. Conversational Spanish is introduced with basic questions and answers. Read aloud books related to thematic topics are used and students begin work on verb conjugation related to a topic of interest. Students research topics in Spanish and famous Spanish speaking people.

The development of language is part of the development of the personality, for words are the natural means of expressing thoughts and establishing understanding between people.

-Maria Montessori

Primary students in After School experience a movement class where they play games, do obstacles courses and more. In Elementary school through Middle School students are introduced to Physical Education.