The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn
- Maria Montessori
THE MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY
According to Montessori, “A child’s work is to create the person she/he will become.” Children are born with special mental powers which aid in the work of their own construction. But they cannot accomplish the task of self-construction without purposeful movement, exploration, and discovery of their environment – both the things and people within it”.
They must be given the freedom to use their inborn powers to develop physically, intellectually, and spiritually. A Montessori classroom provides this freedom within the limits of an environment which develops a sense of order and self-discipline.
Also basic to Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy is her discovery of Sensitive Periods in children’s development. During these periods children seek certain stimuli with immense intensity, to the exclusion of all others. So it is during this time that a child can most easily master a particular learning skill. Dr. Montessori devised special materials to aid children in each Sensitive Period. It is the responsibility of the teacher to recognize these periods in individual children and put them in touch with the appropriate materials in the classroom environment.
The focus of Montessori education continually changes to adapt to the child’s natural stages of development. Dr. Montessori described these stages as Planes of Development, which occur in approximately six-year intervals, each of which is further subdivided into three-year segments. These Planes of Development are the basis for the three-year age groupings found in Montessori school classes: Ages three to six; six to nine; nine to twelve; and twelve to fifteen.
WHY CHOSE MONTESSORI
Able to feel safe and happy
Gain independence and self-confidence
Learning through using their senses and material
Encouraged to develop curiosity
Focused and interested in their work
Able to have free choice in a prepared environment
Led from the concrete to the abstract
Working at their own pace
Learning through using their senses and material
Introduced individually to the next stage of work
Becoming masters of their environment
Learning through using their senses and material
Able to reach abstraction through repetition
We believe that learning comes from within the child rather than being forced upon them by a central authority and that socialization is a natural outcome of self-respect. Montessori materials that guide children through their natural developmental stages will be exclusively used at our school, incorporated with the carefully selected Islamic curricula. This will be a matchless combination for our children to grow up to be good human beings.
We welcome you to come and observe our Montessori class. You will notice that there is no adult in the center of the room directing all of the activities. In our class, each child is allowed to pursue his or her interests by choosing from the wide variety of carefully presented materials. You will see many activities and lots of busy children working simultaneously. The classroom is not free for all and it is not an adult-controlled environment. Teachers are observing the children and presenting individual lessons as necessary. Children are allowed to follow their curiosity and use the materials that can self-teach the lessons they need to learn. You may plan your visit any time of the year according to your convenience and feedback is always welcome.
WHAT IS ISLAMIC MONTESSORI
It is a blend of the Montessori methodology and Islamic values that will help the little ones to be good Muslims and kind Human beings.
We have customized the Montessori class plan with a blend of Islamic values, added an Arabic language class and a Quran recitation class to our daily class plan with a dedicated Arabic teacher in the faculty.
How do we plan to integrate Montessori and Islamic Education
Dedicated Arabic language and Quran teacher with a daily lesson.
Emphasis around the daily basic Masnoon dua’s.
Five Pillars of Islam
The storytime activity of Montessori will be used to relate stories from the Quran.
Lessons and examples taught by the Prophets (PBUT).
Field trips to the Zoo and or nature walks will be related to the creation of Allah Ta’ala
Emphasis will be given to the Islamic Holidays by explaining to the children the purpose of that holiday. E.g. planned activities during the month of Ramadan and Hajj, explaining the significance and importance.
