The concept of the kindergarten level follows the principles of Montessori pedagogy and is subject to the directives from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870 - 1952) placed the child and their individual development in the center of her pedagogy. She observed that children from the age group 3 - 6 absorb their environment in an increasingly aware manner and developed materials that serve to encourage specific skills and cognitive abilities.
Corresponding to the respective state of development of each child, these are available in the so-called prepared environment. They support a child in being independent, allow them to refine their senses, obtain linguistic and mathematical competencies and also deal with music, art and culture as well as scientific knowledge.
The special feature of the materials is in their attractiveness. They animate the child to use it. The high potential for stimulus helps the child have deeper concentration during their work, it polarizes the attention. Another special feature is the so-called error control. This includes the possibility of self-checking by the child, who can check the results of their work independently without the help of an adult. This makes the child curious about new discoveries and encourages self-confidence, because making mistakes means trying out new solutions here.
The Montessori materials are divided into the following areas:
The exercises of practical life encourage independence through every day activities with real objects from daily life and support the child in their social development. A logical order and sequence of steps is immanent, which the child must remember to successfully complete the activity.
With the help of sensory materials, surroundings can be explored and experienced with all senses. Abstract terms like large - small, rough - smooth, etc. can be experienced through concrete development material. This prepares them indirectly for the first mathematical experiences. Through sensory perception connected with movement, the establishment of the brain structures is supported in an optimal manner.
The materials for linguistic development support child with their speech comprehension. They lead the child to write and read for the first time. The materials are offered in English and German.
The mathematical materials prepare the child for basic mathematical concepts. Abstract connections are made comprehensible through concrete material. The child develops their understanding for numbers, quantities, weights, the decimal system, and other things.
Music, art, biology, geography, physics … cultural and scientific knowledge is also offered in a child-friendly manner with illustrative materials.
The pedagogy approach has a holistic orientation. At this age level, children develop into social beings. The first friendships are made, social behavior is observed precisely. Social values and standards provide orientation and rules that allow us to live together are conveyed in a consistent, kind manner. Great value is placed on language and attentiveness when dealing with each other.
In terms of "help me do it myself", it is the role of the Montessori educator to always observe precisely and provide respectful support that supports each individual child so that they can reach their goals in their own rhythm independently and thereby gain self-confidence and get to know something new with high motivation.
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Kids in the garden