MRS. DAVIS 

 In a Montessori classroom, students work individually or in small groups, at tables or on mats on the floor.  At Saint Clare Saint Paul Prek3, this is no different.  Learning materials are arranged on accessible shelves according to curricular area, fostering independence as students go about their work. Everything is where it is supposed to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that both comforts and inspires.  

LANGUAGE

Children are surrounded by language rich materials and activities that encourage them to engage with language in various ways.  Montessori materials such as sandpaper letters, movable alphabets, and language cards are designed to help children learn the sounds and shapes of letters, develop their vocabulary, and improve their reading and writing skills.  Communication and collaboration are essential skills for language arts. In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to communicate with each other and their teachers in a respectful and collaborative manner. They learn to listen actively, express their thoughts and feelings, and to ask questions.  This approach helps children to develop their communication skills and build positive relationships with others.

SENSORIAL

The Sensorial area is designed to help children refine their senses and develop their ability to observe, compare, and contrast various attributes of the world around them. This area offers children not only the opportunity to explore and discover but also to develop their concentration, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.  The philosophy of the sensorial area is based on the idea that children learn best through direct experience. The materials in this area are carefully designed to isolate a specific sensory quality such as color, shape, texture, sound, and weight. Children can develop their ability to discriminate and classify sensory information, which lays the foundation for more complex cognitive processes.

SCIENCE

One of the hallmarks of Montessori science is its emphasis on hands on learning. Children don't just read about plants, animals, and scientific phenomena - they touch, feel, and observe them. This approach allows concepts to take root in their minds in concrete and meaningful ways. Here at Saint Clares Pre K3, we learn by direct experiences in physical science, botany and geology, and earth science. We believe in encouraging children to experiment and draw their own conclusions; we guide and empower children to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills which are the key components of scientific inquiry.

PRACTICAL LIFE

Practical life activities are the activities of everyday life and are involved in all aspects of life. We observed these activities in our environment and gained knowledge through real experience of how to accomplish life skills in a purposeful way. The activities of practical practical life revolve around 4 areas:  Caring for the Self, Caring for the Environment, Grace & Courtesy and Movement of Objects. By doing these activities the child feels important and gains self esteem.