“When parents (and adults in general) become aware of the special advantage children have in possessing such absorbent minds, they will certainly collaborate more in helping them to use it as much as possible. The human being can be looked at in many ways, but when we consider the beginning of life, it is really surprising to discover how the developmental process is supported by continuous care….” Maria Montessori

• Nido 1 – Dolphins / Budgies
  The toddler wants to be able to do things without assistance.  The children are encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves to foster independence. Toddlers are capable of so much if we give them the time and patience necessary to accomplish tasks on their schedule. Toddlers at LEMP are provided with opportunities daily to meet their physical, social and emotional needs independently with a minimum amount of adult intervention.  This is not to say that adult support is not given. The toddler teachers are ready to step in when the child needs help or encouragement. The curriculum includes activities that form the mathematical mind, activities that assist language development and lessons in grace and courtesy for social development.

• Nido 2 – Seahorse / Starfish
  Maria Montessori outlined various sensitive periods that take place throughout each child’s development. During these periods, the child is especially interested in learning specific concepts and skills. At 2 years of age, a unique sense of order, a new capacity for deeper concentration, and improved coordination and strong independence are of particular focus. This time is ideal for developing a child’s consistent academic experience in a Montessori school, as they are building the foundation for all future learning and social experiences.

• Nido 3 – Goldfish
  Although just slightly older than the Seahorse & Starfish, our Goldfish need more complex offerings. Social interaction, problem-solving skills, and cognitive stimulation here are more geared toward these little minds’ rising demands. Our Goldfish are extremely independent and ask to be shown how to do self-care and environment care tasks on their own. This Program is aimed at their ever-present thirst for self-development.

• Nursery – Butterflies / Frogs
  These are our beautiful 3- to 4-year-old students. They are groups that continually delight our community with their wit, quick questions and kindness.Dr. Montessori called this stage of childhood “The Social Embryonic stage”- where children are particularly aware and sensitive to the atmosphere, behaviour and routines created by the environments around them.

MORE THAN EVER THE CHILDREN WATCH THE ADULTS AND PEERS AROUND THEM FOR GOOD EXAMPLES OF MORALS, CULTURAL IDENTITY AND BEHAVIOUR.

Many aspects of the Nursery Montessori classrooms aid these attributes:

1. Interaction
   The environment creates an atmosphere where children learn to help and be helped by other children because they interact consistently with children whose age and abilities are varied. Children gain an appreciation for their achievements and the accomplishments of others and are naturally challenged by the achievements of others.

• Learning from Each Other
  The slightly older children learn to be patient and tolerant and serve as role models and teachers for the younger children. When an older child teaches a younger one, it reinforces previously learned concepts and is actually an aid in complete mastery of concepts. Younger children learn about courtesy, manners, and conflict resolution by watching the older children in the class.

• Work at Child’s Own Pace
  Because teachers do not have to set the instruction pace by a whole group, each child is given the ability to learn at his or her own pace. This is a striking difference from traditional education, where everyone turns to page 33 of the book and stays there until every child understands the concept.
• Community
  The children develop a strong sense of community and stability, with 1/3 of a class returning every year. This community aids the development of students as role models for one another. This aids to create a strong sense of empathy and social cohesion.

• Reception – Jaguars / Lions
  Our Montessori Foundation program builds strongly on the foundations set in earlier levels. Mathematical lessons are introduced using hands-on manipulatives. Our reception class students have community service opportunities throughout the school.Students learn grammar and syntax using hands-on materials and stories that spark their imagination. Children begin writing cursive in Reception. Diary work and guided reading groups round out the Language Arts curriculum.

Students get right to work on activities independently, with a peer, or in a group. Teachers focus on individual needs and levels of development rather than teaching one specific lesson to the entire class simultaneously.

Our Montessori Foundation curriculum deepens the rich STEAM program LEMP offers by linking outdoor, art and cooperative activities with the already robust Montessori science curriculum.