Four Basic Components of Our Cosmic Montessori Curriculum
1. Individualized Instruction
Learning starts with the child. Our Montessori teachers observe the child’s interests and abilities and create an environment where they can flourish. An integral part of our Montessori curriculum is that the teacher must respect and follow the child. The teacher’s ability to be effective in this role is enhanced by the extended three-year relationship they will develop.
2. The Prepared Environment
In a Montessori classroom, concrete materials that enhance and explain what they are studying surround the children. Our extensive Montessori curriculum allows the children in our program to discover, learn, and research at their own pace and in a hands-on environment. Students can begin critical thinking early, and our teachers carefully prepare lesson plans to facilitate the child’s use of the different Montessori materials.
3. Multi-Age Grouping
Every child works at his or her level. Younger children learn by observing older children, and older children reinforce their learning by helping younger children. Older children also have opportunities to develop leadership skills as they serve as role models for younger children. Cooperation and social responsibility are encouraged, and a strong community develops.
4. Integrated Curriculum
Our Montessori curriculum nourishes a sense of order. The curriculum is organized into a spiral of integrated studies rather than a traditional model in which the curriculum is compartmentalized. The course of study uses an integrated, thematic approach that ties the separate disciplines of the curriculum together into studies of the physical universe, the world of nature, and the human experience. Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and Fine Arts complement one another. This integrated approach is one of Cosmic Montessori’s great strengths.