Curriculum
Curriculum
At Montessori Academy of West Omaha, our curriculum is based primarily on respect for the child, ages 18 months through 6 years. We foster the development of the whole child by creating a learning environment that encourages healthy growth emotionally, physically, socially, academically and cognitively. To quote Maria Montessori, “To consider the school as a place where instruction is given is one point of view. But to consider the school as a preparation for life is another. In the latter case, the school must satisfy all the needs of life.” Our goal at Montessori Academy of West Omaha is to nurture creative thinking, a love for learning and problem-solving skills, as the children we serve discover their full potential and become lifelong learners and secure, responsible citizens. In doing so, we recognize the following eight principles of the Montessori Method:
- Movement and cognition are closely entwined, and movement can enhance thinking and learning.
- Learning and well-being are improved when people have a sense of control over their lives.
- People learn better when they are interested in what they are learning.
- Tying extrinsic rewards to an activity, like money for reading or high grades for tests, negatively impacts motivation to engage in that activity when the reward is withdrawn.
- Collaborative arrangements can be very conducive to learning.
- Learning situated in meaningful contexts is often deeper and richer than learning in abstract contexts.
- Particular forms of adult interaction are associated with more optimal child outcomes.
- Order in the environment is beneficial to children.
Toddler Program (18 Months – 3 Years)
Geared for our youngest students at Montessori Academy of West Omaha, our Toddler Program offers a warm, nurturing environment where children can work on developing life skills, language skills, gross and fine motor skills, social skills and much more. Our daily routine includes time for free play, group time, work time, reading books, music, art, outdoor play, and more. Our classroom community is governed by simple ground rules and positive redirection, and provides plenty of time for exploration while working toward the completion of the Montessori work cycle.
Primary Program (3 Years – 6 Years)
Our Primary Program is distinguished by a core curriculum within which each child acquires and applies a variety of skills during a three-year learning cycle. Well-planned lessons are presented in a carefully prepared educational environment filled with specifically designed, age-appropriate materials. Our daily routine starts off with “line time” where everyone is invited to sit with us and participate in group activities. We then move into work time where each child explores their environment and chooses a work they are interested in. Our goal is to have an uninterrupted work cycle of two hours before we move on to outdoor time or free time.