Cyprus Classical Montessori Preschool Curriculum

Great Books: Since Language is such an integral part of a classical education, much time will be spent immersed in our language. The children will listen to many well written books. Hearing superior linguistic patterns empowers a child to use our language competently in later expression of language through writing and speaking. The more a child is exposed to good literature, the more apt a child is to want to read more satisfying works of the written word. Some wonderful works of children's literature include Aesop's fables, The Complete Tales of Peter Rabbit, The Original Mother Goose, and many many others.

Phonics: Letters, spoken as the name and the sound of the alphabet will be worked with, played with, written and seen everywhere. A rich supply of beginning readers through fluent readers will be provided to students when they have mastered all of the letters and sounds of the alphabet.

Writing: When a child is ready, they will begin putting the letters and words they have learned on paper. Some children are ready to do this at the same pace as their emerging reading skills. Many children are not ready to write until much later. All children will be given the opportunity to write often. Children who are ready will have a handwriting workbook.

Public Speaking and Poetry Memorization: Another way children will incorporate superior linguistic patterns is through memorization of poetry. We will use some poems in Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa, as well as other well known poems and sayings suitable for preschool and kindergarten. We will use recitation of poetry to begin to develop public speaking skills. When children begin speaking in front of a group from a very young age, it isn't as intimidating as it might be when they get older. When they recite a mastered poem, speaking is fun and easy.

History & Cultural Studies
History and different cultures will be learned through poems, stories, pictures, songs, art activities and other references that interest and excite children's minds. History is an integral part of a classical education. It is very important that a child begin to learn his/her place in time. It is a starting off point for other subjects such as Geography, Science, Math and Music.

Geography
Children will learn about their place in this world on a global and local scale. They will learn about different cultures throughout the world and throughout history. They will learn how to find places on a globe and a map, and memorize the continents, oceans and other places.

Science
Children will study the natural world based on observation and hands-on exploration of the natural sciences, and exposure and memorization of information (types of insects, the planets, types of animals, types of plants.) This includes weather study, astronomy, geology, plants, animals, and other observable aspects of the natural realm. Children will also learn about aspects of physical science, and chemistry.

Mathematics
Children will be exposed to the foundations of mathematics through a multi-sensory, Montessori-based math curriculum, including number recognition, counting, geometric shapes, place value with the decimal system, skip counting, addition, subtraction, tally marks, telling time and more. Our afternoon preschool program focuses on learning reading, writing and math skills.

Music
Children will learn to have an appreciation for most types of music through daily exposure. They will also learn basic music theory and about various musical instruments. They will actively participate in music through movement and singing and playing instruments. Also, each week there is a special Music class, in which the children learn many new songs, practice rhythm patterns, and learn some theory.

Art
Art History: Children will learn both the history of art and appreciation for artists within the framework of their time and style of art.

Hands-on Art: Children will experience art by creating original works of art and imitating the works of great artists.

Some examples of our students' artwork can be found on Artsonia.com

Foreign Languages
Children will be exposed to different languages in the form of music and poems. We currently speak Spanish and German throughout the day.

Practical Life Activities
The practical life activities meet the internal need a child has for organization. At every level, the practical life area helps the child to learn more about the environment and how to interact with the environment. Life skills, grace and courtesy, care of self, and care of the environment are examined in practical life.

Sensorial Activities
Each child works with sensorial activites independently or with a friend to explore the relationship of items in the environment. Children are shown each material and then have many opportunities to repeat the exercises themselves. Children are introduced to concepts such as heaviest/lightest, longest/shortest, loudest/softest, light/dark and smooth/rough.

Physical Development
Children will have the opportunity to engage in large motor activities on a daily basis. They will play group games as well as individual activities in or outdoors, depending on the weather.