What we teach at Montessori Preschool Irvine & Lake Forest

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.

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!