Early Childhood Program
We offer a rich Infant & Early Childhood Program based on an authentic Montessori approach, for children aged 6 months to 5yrs.
The early childhood program at Grace Buds
Our classroom environments are well resourced with standard Montessori materials for training the child according to their unique learning pace and abilities. We employ the differentiated teaching approach, where teaching is tailored to each child’s learning needs, interests, preferences, and abilities. Teaching is mainly one-on-one, or in small groups. In the Montessori approach the child makes use of all their senses in learning and understanding concepts – visually, by seeing real-life materials (e.g. a real apple), pictures or short videos, through tactile means (touch and feel), auditory (hearing), and through smell and taste (where safe to do so).
In our preschool there are no competitions and there are no tests. The child learns through purposeful and guided work and play, using the specially prepared Montessori materials to enhance independence, self-care, team work, and respect for others and the environment.
There are also whole class activities such as nature walk and grace and courtesy lessons. Below are just a few examples of the many skills the child will enjoy learning:
- Practical life skills such as tying a shoe lace, blowing the nose, and washing hands
- Cognitive skills such as writing and reading
- Grace and courtesy skills such as greeting people, saying ‘please’, ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘thank you’
- Care of environment skills such as watering a garden and using a dustpan and brush
- Home skills such as dish-washing, folding clothes, and wiping a table
- Knowledge in zoology such an parts of a frog, fish or bird
- Knowledge in botany such as parts of a plant, and the life cycle of a flower
- Knowledge in science such as objects that sink and those that float
- Knowledge in geography such as knowing the names and locations of continents on a map, and many more.
