Welcome to Montessori Preschool Irvine & Lake Forest
Montessori Preschool Principles
The Montessori Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Montessori method teaches independence, hands-on exploration, and self-paced development. Children choose meaningful activities that build practical skills and curiosity. Guided by trained educators, they learn in a calm, structured environment that supports their natural growth and love of learning.
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach
We follow the Reggio Emilia approach, where children learn through exploration, collaboration, and creativity. Teachers observe and guide as children investigate their interests, helping them build confidence and express themselves in meaningful ways.
The Waldorf Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Waldorf Approach
The Waldorf approach focuses on nurturing the whole child—imagination, creativity, and emotional growth. Through storytelling, arts, nature play, and rhythm, children develop at their own pace in a warm, supportive environment guided by experienced teachers. This approach fosters a deep connection to the world and a lifelong love of learning.
What we teach at Montessori Preschool Irvine & Lake Forest
Grace & Courtesy Skills
Handling Classroom Materials:
- Push in chairs after getting up.
- Place items gently back into their proper place
- Organize personal items like:
- Water bottle
- Lunch pail
- Backpack
- Handle toys carefully (e.g., avoid stepping on them).
- Pick up items found on the floor and return them to their proper location.
Classroom Etiquette:
- Take only one worksheet or coloring page from the tray.
- Use one pencil or color at a time for tasks.
- Walk in the classroom with hands behind the back.
- Speak using an inside voice.
- Keep hands and feet to themselves.
Returning Materials:
- Place materials back on the shelf, holding them securely.
- For Montessori jobs:
- Carry rugs or trays with two hands.
- Unroll rugs neatly in a row
- Place materials on the left side of the rug (no sitting or walking on rugs).
- Open lids carefully and place them under the box.
- Return jobs to their proper location with care.
Classroom Movement:
- Walk, do not crawl, around rugs and peers.
- Walk behind people instead of in front of them..
- Sit criss-cross applesauce with hands in the lap.
Mealtime Manners:
- Place food and drinks on a placemat.
- Listen and respond the first time their name is called.
Academic Skills
Foundational Concepts:
- Colors: Teach recognition with the "Rainbow Song."
- Shapes: Learn using a fun "Shapes Song."
- Emotions: Understand and express feelings with "If You’re Happy" song.
- Body Parts: Learn through "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes."
Manners:
- Teach polite words like "Please" and "Thank You" with a song.
Animals & Science:
- Recognize animals and their sounds.
- Teach continents using a song and map activities.
- Teach planets with "Earth Goes Around the Sun" song.
- Introduce seasons and the months of the year.
Time Awareness:
- Days of the week: Learn "Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow" with a 7-day Week Song.
Phonics & Language:
- Learn ABC sounds and phonics.
- Recognize and spell their own name.
- Practice reading and writing three-letter words.
Math:
- Counting: 1–10 and beyond (1–100).
- Recognizing numbers and learning to write them (1–10).
- Hold a pencil properly and practice tracing.
Early Writing Skills:
- Write their name.
- Practice tracing and transitioning to independent writing.
By instilling these grace, courtesy, and academic skills, children develop both a strong foundation in learning and important life skills!