Following the Montessori Philosophy

WMS adheres to the unique educational philosophy set out a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori philosophy aims to develop the child's innate desire to learn by using a child's natural curiosity and love of knowledge. The child is able to learn and acquire an 'inner discipline' free of the need for external reinforcements.

To educate the whole child Dr. Montessori felt the child must have the freedom to learn at his or her own pace and in an individualized manner. The Montessori teachers (Guide) direct the child’s energies into constructive learning channels, taking into account the differences in learning styles and pace. The environment is specially prepared to encourage directed, independent learning. The teachers guide the activity by providing knowledge in the form of presentations. The child is able to learn and acquire an ‘inner discipline’ free of the need for external reinforcements. This is the core of the Dr. Montessori educational philosophy.

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The Montessori Curriculum

Practical Life

Practical Life exercises help to instil care for self, for others, and for the environment. Activities include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily routine in their home, such as pouring, buttoning, sorting along with exercises of grace and courtesy. Through these tasks, children develop muscular coordination, enabling movement and the exploration of their surroundings. They learn to work at a task from beginning to end, and to develop their powers of control and concentration.

Language

In Montessori classrooms, reading is taught with the ‘phonetic’ method - learning the sounds of the letters in preparation for reading and word building. We use the combination of the Itchy's Alphabet phonics lessons and the Montessori language approach. When ready, students participate in a Reading Program and take levelled books home twice every week. 

Math

Early Math activities help children learn and understand number concepts by manipulating tactile materials. This work gives children a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles, prepares them for later abstract reasoning, and helps to develop problem-solving capabilities.

Social Sciences

Our Social Sciences curriculum explores the areas of science, social studies, geography, art and history. Children are exposed to a rich, stimulating variety of work through hands-on learning. Working with the cultural materials help children become aware that they are part of the greater family of humanity.

Sensorial

Sensorial Materials serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive skills, and learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment.

The Three Year Cycle

​The three year period from the ages 3 - 6 is considered to be the most absorbent formative period in a child's development. Each step of a child's development and learning from the time he or she enters the Montessori classroom serves as a solid foundation for the next. Each year of the WMS Montessori program builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in earlier years. The learning that takes place in the Kindergarten year is the final component and solidification of the expertise that they have achieved. It solidifies the key skills, academic and personal growth that they child has been building towards in their previous two years.

To receive the full benefits of a Montessori education, a child who enrolls must remain in the program for 3 years. The best analogy would be to say, "having poured the concrete it also needs an opportunity to cure" for the foundation to be sound. A true Montessori program works in the same way. Therefore, the importance of the 3-year cycle is so crucial.

Learn More About the Three Year Cycle