Our Curriculum

Timeless Teaching in a Constantly Changing World

“An educational system isn’t worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn’t teach them how to make a life.”

Montessori:

Practical Life

This section of the curriculum is designed to invite the aspiring learner to act and work on real-life skills that encourage independence, coordination, order and concentration. Dr. Montessori said it best: “We must help them to learn how to . . . dress and undress, to wash themselves, to express their needs in a way that is clearly understood, and to attempt to satisfy their desires through their own efforts. All this is part of an education for independence.”

Examples include:

Cleaning, setting the table, dressing and undressing, folding clothes, washing clothes, making beds, gardening, personal hygiene, and emergency preparedness.

Sensorial

The Montessori approach to learning recognizes that the reasoning portion of the child’s mind needs specific training to help develop focus and concentration, among other things. The exercises inspire careful observation and call attention to specific qualities requiring identification of similarities and differences. This encourages their young minds to judge, compare, classify, and formulate their own conclusions.

Examples include:

The Pink Tower, Red Rods, Binomial Cube, Colour Wheel, Constructive Triangles, and Sound Cylinders.

Mathematics

Mathematics in the Montessori classroom can be separated into a few major categories: introductory counting, advanced counting, the decimal system, rational numbers (fractions), and the operations of addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division. Concepts are presented in a very concrete yet simplified way so that children 3-6 are not only able to count, but skip count, square numbers and work with numbers in the thousands.

Examples include:

Red and Blue Number Rods, Sand Paper Numerals, and Spindle Boxes.

Language

The Montessori approach to learning languages introduces children to sounds and letters first, which later leads to writing. After several sounds are mastered, they can begin to encode (spell) and decode (read) words by linking these sounds together.

Examples include:

Sandpaper Letters, Sequencing Cards, and Movable Alphabet.

Science & Geography

Children are, by nature, curious. The Montessori approach to science cultivates children's fascination with the universe and helps them develop a healthy, interest in observing nature and discovering more about the world in which they live.
Students work with specially designed maps and puzzles to learn geography. They learn about space, biology, physics (through exploration of magnets and electricity), basic chemistry and simple anatomy.

Examples include:

Puzzles, globes/maps, skeletons, X-rays, Visiting the Zoo, and hands on examination of Micro-slides.

Froebel’s Gifts , Source: Froebeltoday

Gift 1: Balls

The Gift 1 balls are an introduction to Froebel’s many educational toys and ideal for ages 3 months to 13 years. The child will begin to understand the shape of the ball, and the colour, and the movement both independently and in relation to the parent/teacher.

Froebel understands the shape of the ball to be the original shape and allows for complete freedom in movement and play, unlike a cube, which has limitations. A ball (or sphere) represents energy and can be used throughout all levels of developmental learning.

Includes:

Two sets of 6 balls in 6 colours (red, yellow, and blue, orange, green, and purple). One set without strings, one set with strings attached.

Gift 2: Wooden Objects

The Gift Two wodden objects are introduced at age two and used through to age 13. This gift is builds on the first gift showing different, but similar shapes, and with more advanced add-ons such as spinning attachments. This gift is intended to help children recognise similarities and connections between shapes – based on the principle of mediation.

Includes:

A wooden sphere, cylinder, and cube with eyelets and/or holes in them.

Gift 3: Bisected Cube - Cubes

Gift 3, bisected cube, is introduced at age 4 and is the first of the ‘building gifts.’ It is added with the idea of building on what the child has already learned and is a complete set unto itself. The gift is presented to the child as a whole before disassembling. The child can then use the gift in simple structure and designs the child has observed in his or her environment.

Includes:

8 geometrically similar wooden cubes in a box.

Gift 4: Bisected Cube - Rectangles

Gift 4 is the same size and shape on the whole as gift 3, but is made up of rectangles. This gift is demonstrated to the child as a whole before disassembling, and ten shown that different shapes can make the same overall shape. The shapes are all the same in relation to each other but not to the whole.

Examples include:

8 geometrically similar wooden rectangles in a box.

Gift 5 & 6: Bisected Cube - Shapes

Gifts 5 and 6 build on the previous two gifts and offer a variety of sizes as well as 2 new shapes. This is both familiar and exciting for the child who can now use the shapes to design their environment with more detail and complexity. These two are presented as a whole before being disassembled and introduces dexterity and patience with the triangles being used in the whole. It shows that different shapes can be combined to make similar shapes.
All gifts must be returned to their original box and stored after play time by the child.

Examples include:

Wooden cubes, rectangles, triangles ranging in size, in a box.

Programs

Learn more about our programs and which one your child would excel in:

Toddler - Bambini: age 12 months - 3 years

The Bambini, Italian for Toddlers class consists of 6 children maximum with a 3:1 teacher-child ratio.

Toddler spaces consist of areas where children can experience many hands-on activities that blend five of the major Montessori curriculum areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Art. The program acts as a natural extension of the comfort of the home, where each child is nurtured and stimulated to reach his or her full potential.

At this age children are curious about everything; Dr. Montessori termed this period as the “Absorbent Mind”. The focus is on the emotional and intellectual needs of each individual child. Children at this age are given many opportunities for building their confidence, grace, and other social-emotional skills; as well as coordination, language development, early math concepts, creative arts, music, gross and fine motor skill development, toilet training, and independence.

The Bambini program introduces Froebel’s gifts and incorporates the original two (knitted balls & wooden shapes) into daily play.

Additionally, there is daily naptime for those children who need it.

Times

1	Toddler - Bambini Morning Only	9:00 AM	12:00 PM
2	Toddler - Bambini Full Day Program	7:00 AM	6:00 PM

Preschool - Casa: age 3 - 6 years

Our youngest children enter the Casa program at 2 ½ years old and the oldest children are 6. Children at this age are mentally ready for both school and toilet training.

Your young children have a once in a lifetime opportunity to absorb information from the environment, like a sponge. That’s why it is vital for them to be nurtured in an ideal environment to make the most of this irreplaceable period of time.

Children at this age are susceptible to language, beginning to develop some real independence, and extremely sensitive to order. It is the perfect time to help them develop small lifelong habits to help them in becoming successful young people.

Casa program deals with seven Montessori modules i.e. practical life, sensorial, linguistic skills, math, science (biology & botany), geography, art and music.

The Casa program also Froebel’s gifts 3-6 (the building gifts) as well as building on the original two (knitted balls & wooden shapes)

Apart from learning basic educational information, the children engage in activities that prepare them for future reading, writing and calculating.

Times

1	Preschool Casa Morning Only	9:00 AM	12:00 PM
2	Preschool Casa Full Day Program	7:00 AM	6:00 PM

Schedule

Time Form		Time To	Description
7:00 AM	-	8:45 AM	Arrivals, Breakfast
9:00 AM	-	9:20 AM	Circle time (calendar, check the weather, demonstration of Montessori materials, numbers, letters, songs)
9:20 AM	-	9:35 AM	Group lesson (story reading followed by discussion)
9:35 AM	-	10:00 AM	Social science lesson (community, plant life, animal and biology projects)
10:00 AM	-	10:30 AM	Independent work period
10:30 AM	-	10:45 AM	Snack (fruits, vegetables, cheese, juice)
10:45 AM	-	11:00 AM	Clean up followed by outdoor reccess
11:00 AM	-	12:00 PM	Extra curricular activity
12:00 PM	-	12:30 PM	Lunch time (hot lunch provided)
12:30 PM	-	2:30 PM	Rest time (Casa Program)
12:30 PM	-	02:30 PM	Nap time (Bambini Program)
02:45 PM	-	03:15 PM	Afternoon snack
03:15 PM	-	04:30 PM	Independent play
04:30 PM	-	06:00 PM	Parents pick up time

For more information on this program and to request a consultation please contact us or set up a tour.

Before/After School Care (6-12)

“A child miseducated is a child lost.”
- John F. Kennedy

This mixed-age group is limited to 18 children with two teachers - one lead teacher and one supporting teacher. The daily program in before/after school environment includes the seven Montessori curriculum areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Science, Geography, and Art & Music.

The goal of this program is to build academic and social-emotional competency through activities and learnings that blend individual work time with both small group and larger group projects like: cooking, cultural studies, and outdoor playtime.

Schedule

1	3:00 PM	Students arrive!
2	3:14 AM ~ 3:45 PM	Outdoor Play (depend on weather)
3	3:45 AM ~ 4:00 PM	Unpack backpack, Hang up coat, and washroom transition
4	4:00 AM ~ 4:30 PM	Snack time
6	4:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM	Daily activities (Montessori, GABE, Art & Crafts, Science)
7	5:00 AM ~ 5:30 PM	Homework & Free Time
8	5:00 PM ~	Parent pick up time

Times

1	B & A School Program		7:00 AM - 8:45 AM	3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Extra-Curriculum Programs

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
- Albert Einstein

Ballet Class

This class uses ballet techniques that promote active learning through simple movement and rhythms. It focuses on games that develop various motor skills, sense of direction, space perceptivity and creativity.

Through one-on-one teaching, children learn basic stretching and correct postures. Children work first on the floor to make their bodies flexible, and then they begin focusing on applied ballet techniques. Through this program, children will enhance their rhythmic senses, flexibility, turnouts, and muscles.

Rather than focus on traditional ballet teachings, where there is an over-emphasis on correct posture and learning by example, we believe that allowing children to move freely with some guidance is more valuable to their learning. Our method works well because imagination and creativity can be expressed freely, and that promotes active learning.

We also offer one-on-one stretching classes. One on one teachings are more valuable than having the children attempt to learn in a large class setting while watching and attempting to copy.

French

Being bilingual is an invaluable skill in our modern world. It opens endless doors and opportunities for your children, at an age where it is proven to be easier to learn a second language.

Once a week, 45-minute lessons introduce the children to the French language through songs, games and other fun-filled activities. Similarly to other core curriculum material, the emphasis is based on practical activities where new vocabulary is taught using real objects – where the object is touched and felt, and then the children perform the action described, which also helps them retain memory of this new language.

Music and Movement

Movement and activity are natural functions of the child and the basis of both the Montessori and Fröebel classroom environments. The movement program is designed to develop gross motor skills through games and activities.

Music is included in the program allowing the children to experience and explore movement, rhythm, tempo and melodic group and individual exercises, such as singing, playing instruments and moving their feet to the rhythm of dance. These activities help children to develop their natural balance and coordination proficiencies.

Yoga

Children derive enormous benefits from yoga, when practiced daily. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. In participating in yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world around them.

Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface. At Soular Child, Yoga integrates storytelling, games, music, language, and other arts into a complete curriculum that engages the “whole child.” We employ ecology, anatomy, nutrition, and life lessons that echo yogic principles of interdependence, oneness, and fun. Most of all, our program engages the entire mind, body, and spirit in a way that honours all the ways children learn.