Montessori Program
(Pre-school and Kindergarten, Ages 3-5)

St. Christopher’s offers a Montessori Early Primary program for children aged three to five years which includes a Kindergarten program. Students may attend half-day morning or half-day afternoon classes. Kindergarten students may attend a full day program. All programs are five days a week.

Since 80% of a child’s mental development takes place before the child is eight years old, quality education during this period is critical. In the Montessori tradition, each class is a prepared environment alive with a wealth of intriguing materials. The child moves at his/her own pace through all areas of the room – Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural. The teacher’s job is to observe and guide the child as his/her natural development unfolds. Children are also introduced to French as a second language. The Early Primary program was developed to meet the specific and changing needs of the children within the room. The holistic approach helps each child to grow with balance, health and joyfulness.

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  The Practical Life exercises are the link between home and school. Activities include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily routine in their home, such as preparing food and washing dishes, along with exercises of grace and courtesy. These tasks develop muscular coordination and concentration which is crucial for success in all the other areas of the classroom. The children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and return the activity ready for the next person. That sense of social responsibility is integrated in all the areas of the room. 

 

  
 


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  The Sensorial materials allow the children to explore their senses through movement and discovery. Many of these materials prepare the children for mathematical concepts they will encounter later on. The children learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening and exploring the physical properties of their environment.   

 

 
 

 

 
 

 
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The Language materials develop the children’s understanding of the phonetic sounds, letters, words and vocabulary in their environment The Montessori environment is rich in oral language opportunities, allowing the child to experience conversations, stories and poetry. The sandpaper letters help children link sound and symbol effortlessly, encouraging the development of written expression and reading skills. Many of our children are reading when they leave us for grade one. The children also enjoy French language instruction once a week with a French specialist. 

 

 

 
 


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The Math activities help children learn and understand the concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials. This work gives children a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles, building on prior knowledge to solidify understanding, and preparing them for later abstract reasoning. The math materials also help to develop problem-solving capabilities.

 

 

 
 


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The Cultural materials introduce the children to the world that they live in and that they share with other people all over the world. Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. The children develop empathy and understanding through knowledge and experiences. Community service activities such as UNICEF and World Vision help the children connect to the global human family. The geography maps allow the children to learn all the countries in the world! Our comprehensive art and music programs give children every opportunity to enjoy a variety of creative activities, as well as gain knowledge of the great masters.

 
 

 

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Music at St. Christopher’s

The music classes at St. Christopher's are based on the Kodaly program. Developed by Hungarian composer, Zoltan Kodaly, this method uses simple music and folk songs to teach the basic elements of music. Learning to sing in tune, and identify the pitch, pulse and rhythm provide the child with the fundamentals of music. Children participate in small groups, enabling each child to have one half hour session per week.

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French at St. Christopher's

French is introduced to all the children weekly. The emphasis is on vocabulary building through themes, songs, puppets and conversation. Additional French time is provided for the kindergarten students.

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Art at St. Christopher’s

The major goal of the art program is to permit and encourage each child’s creative drive and pleasure in his or her own product. Creativity marks an individual response to life that can be fostered, but not taught. 

In order to encourage creativity, the art program involves exploration with a wide variety of media, techniques, and colour, and reinforces Montessori principles. Children, in small groups, are scheduled to participate in art activities in the art room on a once weekly basis.

 

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Active Citizenship

Through various community projects, students at St. Christopher’s experience a sense of personal and collective responsibility, as well as the gratification of doing something thoughtful and meaningful for others. Projects for World Vision, UNICEF and local agencies have all taught the students about civic responsibility.

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Copyright © 2008 St Christopher's Montessori School