- MMI Pune

THE CURRICULUM
Modern Montessori International

The formative years are the first six years of a child’s life. During these years, basic learning and development occurs. These life basics include mental, emotional and physical development and are essential building blocks for life. During this time social skills and basic motor functions are learned and practiced. Learning to walk, talk and use the bathroom are some key examples of these formative skills.

In addition, personality is greatly impacted by these years. Many basic likes and dislikes, such as arts and sports, have their beginnings in this period. It is important to focus on encouraging a child’s intellectual and thinking abilities during these years, as it can have a significant impact on them later in life.

It is difficult to make up for a lack of this encouragement at an older age because by the end of the formative years so many basic building blocks are set in stone. For example, a child who does not learn to speak early enough will have difficulty learning later on.

It has been discovered that the first six years of one’s life is significant for the brain to develop fully . Most importantly Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision applies to brain development. So now the question therefore is “how do we best help children achieve the full potential of development of the brain?” There are several ways to achieve this at MMI. We define an enriched environment as one that includes a steady source of environmental support, nutritious diet, stimulates all senses, atmosphere free from stress and enjoyable, challenging, allows social interaction, promotes development, and gives the child a chance to assess the results of their actions, all in all allows the child to be an active participant rather than a passive observer.
The school follows the Montessori Method of Education which believes in the fundamental principles of Freedom, Individual Liberty, Prepared Environment and Observation. The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. The Preschool programme caters to the 2-6 years age keeping in mind that each child is unique, has tremendous potential and can unfold itself by facilitating, guiding and supporting on the path of self-construction. The school has established a tradition of achieving high standards within a caring and supportive environment where every child gets an unbiased attention to develop physically , cognitively , socially and emotionally.

Our Balanced Curriculum

Montessori Practical Life Exercises

Four Areas of Development: Development of Motor Skills, Care of Self, Care of Environment, Social Grace and Courtesy
To grow in self-knowledge\
Develop concentration
Develop fine and gross motor skills
Help towards independence
Establish a sense of order
Develop life skills and a good self-image
Understand and appreciate the environment
Develop a sense of responsibility

Montessori Sensorial Training

Aids the development and refining of senses-Visual, Auditory Tactile, Olfactory and Gustatory
Develops the perception of dimension and chromatic sense
Introduces to early Geometry and Algebra
Provides a basis for learning in orderly manner for neurological and psychological development
The sensitive periods are transitory; the sensibilities acquired are long lasting.
Develops power of observation, concentration and thinking skills.
Provides aesthetic enjoyment.
To prepare the child for community environment.
Develops intellect and emotional skills.
Promotes auto-education or self-learning.
Provides opportunities for language and mathematical development.

Montessori Mathematics

Structured and Progressive Curriculum

Develops intelligence, analytical skills, thinking skills and problem solving skills
Concrete to Abstract: Readiness for Primary Years
Simple to Complex

Organised into six groups-

1. Introduction to Numbers
2. Introduction to Decimal System
3. Introduction to Teen Boards
4. Mathematical Operations
5.Composition and Decomposition of number 10
6. Introduction to Recording/Abstraction

Montessori Creative Expression

Art and Craft
Music and Dance
Drama and Theatre

Clay modelling
Role Play
Picture talk
Mic Time

Montessori Language, Literacy and Communication

The use of Phonetic approach
Structured and Progressive Curriculum
Concrete to Abstract

Four stages of acquisition of language:

Pink Scheme (Introduction to sounds, CVC words)
Blue Scheme (Longer phonetic words, consonant blends)
Grammar (Learning parts of speech, Sentence building)
Green Scheme (Phonograms)

Development of Communication Skills-LSRW skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Assembly
Mic Time
Role Play
Story Time
Group discussions,
Games and Activities
Circle Time

Four Levels of Montessori Material

Oral/Auditory-Songs, Rhymes, Stories
Word Reading Level
Sentence Reading Level
The teaching of writing
Emergent reading and writing

Montessori Cultural Subjects

Understanding the world through History, Geography, Botany and Zoology

To learn to treat the environment with respect-Nature and the world around us including life cycles
History of self and family
To create cultural awareness and respect for diversity on planet Earth
Passport to the World: Learn about different continents, countries, flags, maps, varied climate, cuisines, flora and fauna, artefacts, religions, culture, customs, traditions, technology
Appreciation of own origin as well as the global culture
Develops the sense of community life
To develop observation skills
To be able to classify , identify, match, sort, name and compare
To be able to grasp the concepts and connect them to the real life experiences
Develop questioning, experimentation, sense of inquiry, logical and divergent thinking