​2-6 Year Old Montessori Programme - mixed age group (8.30am - 12.30pm)

 

The Joyful Pitter Patter Preschool curriculum is based on the Montessori classroom for ages 2 through 6 years old and is a "living room" for children. Children choose their work from among the self-correcting materials displayed on open shelves, and they work in specific work areas.

 

In a well-prepared environment, cooperation and a sense of community are experienced.  Individual differences are easily accepted and appreciated while each child is treated and taught as an individual.  Children of different ages are together in the same group which provides abundant opportunities for learning and helps to create a sense of family while everyone contributes and takes responsibility for the functioning and maintenance of the environment.

 

The mixed-age classroom naturally entails different levels of ability and therefore offers diversity, stimulation and a path for growth integral to the success of the Montessori philosophy.

 

The benefits for the older child include the opportunity to provide guidance and act as mentors for the younger children. They reinforce their skills and knowledge as well as benefiting from the satisfaction of helping others when they help those younger or less capable than themselves.  This heritage of responsibility and helping other is passed down in the class.

 

Younger children usually want to do what the older children are doing.  A vertically grouped Montessori classroom offers an inherent motivator for children to constantly challenge themselves.   The younger child learns through observation of the older child. He receives indirect preparation for later work as he watches and begins to absorb the activities of the older child.  The younger child need not wait for the adult for assistance as he is able to consult a more experienced peer.

 

Montessori education offers the children opportunities to develop their potential as they step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible, and respectful citizens with an understanding and appreciation that learning is for life!