We believe our Preschool will provide the best possible start to your child’s learning journey. During these early formative years, children begin to make sense of their world and develop their skills and knowledge. Quality learning experiences are therefore essential.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles which guide the work of our Preschool (and are enhanced by the Montessori philosophy of education) are grouped into four distinct but complementary themes:
– A Unique Child
– Positive Relationships
– Enabling Environments
– Learning and Development
Montessori is an educational approach for children based on the research and experiences of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori (1870–1952). Through her experimental observation of young children, she believed she had discovered “the child’s true normal nature.” She created an environment prepared with materials designed for a child’s self-directed learning. The method itself aims to duplicate this experimental observation of children to bring about, sustain and support their true natural way of being by creating the right learning environment.
Using the Montessori Method, our Early Years classes adapt their teaching and learning for each child’s current developmental stage. Each child is treated as an individual and encouraged to work at the pace that is right for them. In order to create the right learning environment, we provide Montessori materials that are especially designed for a child’s exploration and self–discovery, encouraging children to be active learners at every level.
Each classroom is managed by one international teacher with two teaching assistants. They work closely together as a team so that they can deliver the curriculum to the students as effectively as possible. The style of teaching is such that the lead teacher and assistants will work with the whole group and smaller groups. Children are grouped within the class for different purposes, either in ability groups or mixed ability groups, depending on the objectives of each particular lesson.
The MIS curricula for both Preschool A and B incorporate Montessori principles with the English EYFS objectives.
The EYFS and the Montessori Areas of Learning are very easily integrated and complement each other when taught together:
The Early Year’s Foundation Stage and the Montessori Areas of Learning are very easily integrated and complement each other when taught together.
Montessori Areas of Learning
Early Years Foundation Stage
Language
Communication and language Literacy
Mathematics
Numeracy
Practical Life
Personal social and emotional development
Physical Development
Expressive Arts and Design
Understanding of the world
Sensorial Learning
Mathematics
Expressive Arts and Design
Understanding of the world
Communication and language
Literacy
Cultural Enrichment
Understanding the world
Personal social and emotional development
Communication and language
Literacy
The EYFS curriculum is divided into seven key areas of learning. These are comprised of three prime areas and four specific areas:
The 3 Prime Areas
Communication and language
Physical Development
Personal, social, and emotional
development
4 Specific Areas
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding of the world
Expressive arts and design
At M.I.S., our curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It provides an important link between pre-school and the more structured programme which starts when the children reach Year 1 at age 5+. Influences from other curricula may also be apparent throughout the teaching approach taken in the classroom. These include the best elements of Montessori, which continue to be at the forefront of research-based curricula around the world.
In our kindergarten class, children continue to follow the EYFS with equal emphasis given to all seven areas of learning. We also continue the thematic approach to planning with the children’s own interests being at the forefront of all classroom activities.
At the foundation stage, the children’s learning is carefully planned within the following seven areas of learning. There are three ‘prime’ areas of learning which lay the foundation for children’s success in all other areas of learning and life:
We also use the very popular Oxford Reading Tree reading scheme to teach the children to read in finely graded and progressive stages.
Child-led activities, such as imaginative role-play and games, are also a key feature. These allow children to build their understanding through ‘hands-on’ activities such as role-play and games.
In each area of learning there are expectations of attainment known as the early learning goals. The lessons and activities that are provided across the timetable serve to develop and consolidate the skills the children need to meet these learning goals across the seven areas of learning.
Finally, at M.I.S. we aim to develop a cooperative environment where children, parents and teachers can all learn together to make this journey one of true discovery.
