Introducing the Preschool Program
The Montessori Preschool Program offers children a dynamic learning environment where they are empowered to choose their work, follow their interests, and progress at their own pace. Within this space, children develop their independence, refine their concentration, and explode into learning as they develop their intelligence and higher-level brain processes.
Between the ages of three and six, preschoolers move through sensitive periods for language, order, grace and courtesy, the senses, writing, small objects, music, reading, spatial relationships, and mathematics.
During this stage of development, the Preschool Curriculum introduces children to a range of advanced Montessori materials that expand on their knowledge of Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language and Culture.
The design of the preschool classroom, and the educational materials within in, reflect these interests and provide rich opportunities for learning that nurture children’s complete development while preparing them for school and life.
Preschool Learning Goals
Formation of individual letters and numbers
Recognises numerals and counts by rote
Reads simple sentences and constructs phonetic words
Can write and recognise their own name
Aware of the decimal system, addition, and subtraction
Participates in physical activities and follows the rules of games
Shows self-confidence and interacts well with others
Ability to concentrate and work independently
Responds to challenges and demonstrates problem-solving skills
Formation of individual letters and numbers
Formation of individual letters and numbers in toddler learning is supported through activities like using Sandpaper Numbers & Letters and engaging with Sand Tray or Chalkboards, providing tactile experiences and opportunities for hands-on practice to develop fine motor skills and letter/number recognition at an early stage of development.
Recognises numerals and counts by rote
Toddlers learn to recognise numerals and count by rote through tactile materials such as Sandpaper Numbers, Number Rods, and the Spindle Box, which provide hands-on experiences to reinforce numerical concepts, laying the foundation for early numeracy skills and number recognition.
Reads simple sentences and constructs phonetic words
Children develop the ability to read simple sentences and construct phonetic words through activities such as using the Moveable Alphabet and engaging with Pink Series materials, which provide hands-on opportunities to manipulate letters and phonetic sounds, fostering early literacy skills and phonemic awareness in a structured and interactive learning environment.
Can write and recognise their own name
Children develop the ability to write and recognise their own name through engaging activities such as writing name exercises on chalkboards and paper, providing opportunities for hands-on practice and repetition to strengthen fine motor skills and visual recognition, fostering early literacy skills and a sense of personal identity.
Aware of the decimal system, addition, and subtraction
In preschool learning, awareness of the decimal system, addition, and subtraction is introduced through Montessori materials such as the Golden Beads, Numbers & Counters, Addition Strip Board, and Subtraction Strip Boards, allowing children to explore mathematical concepts concretely through hands-on experiences, fostering a foundational understanding of numerical relationships and arithmetic operations.
Participates in physical activities and follows the rules of games
In preschool learning, participation in physical activities and adherence to game rules are encouraged through structured outdoor play and indoor music and movement programs, providing opportunities for children to develop gross motor skills, coordination, and social skills while engaging in fun and interactive group activities that promote teamwork and sportsmanship.
Shows self-confidence and interacts well with others
In preschool learning, the development of self-confidence and positive social interactions is fostered through a supportive environment that encourages exploration, risk-taking, and respectful communication, where children engage in collaborative activities, express themselves freely, and receive encouragement and validation from educators and peers alike.
Ability to concentrate and work independently
In preschool learning, the ability to concentrate and work independently is nurtured through activities tailored to the child’s interests, coupled with the freedom to engage in these activities for as long as they desire, fostering autonomy and self-directed learning as they explore and engage with subjects that captivate their curiosity.
Responds to challenges and demonstrates problem-solving skills
In preschool learning, children respond to challenges and demonstrate problem-solving skills through independent activities, facilitated by the freedom to work, express themselves, and repeat tasks as needed, fostering a sense of autonomy and resilience as they navigate various challenges and find creative solutions.
Preschool Curriculum
In addition the Montessori Curriculum, all Montessori Academy childcare centres also teach the Australian Government’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF): Belonging, Being & Becoming. The EYLF incorporates five learning outcomes that work hand-in-hand with the Montessori Curriculum to support children’s learning from birth to age five.
Five Key Outcomes of the EYLF:
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
The Montessori Culture Curriculum covers the study of the arts, geography, science, environment, national culture, music, and history. Through cultural activities children learn about their community and the world. They discover similarities, differences, and develop an understanding, appreciation and respect for diversity and all living things.
Example materials and activities include:
- Land and water globe
- Flag puzzles
- World map puzzle
- Life cycle puzzle
- Botany cabinet
Montessori toddler language materials assist children in learning letter recognition, phonics, simple word structures, vowels and consonants, and the early stages of writing and reading.
Example materials and activities include:
- Sandpaper letters
- Three part cards
- Metal insets
- Plain paper cutting strips
- Object picture matching
Montessori mathematics materials assist children in developing an understanding of abstract mathematical concepts through hands-on experiences. Through the mathematics materials, students learn to identify and quantify numerals, count and sequence numbers, add and subtract, identify patterns, and learn about number systems.
Example materials and activities include:
- Sandpaper numbers
- Spindle box
- Number rods
- Cards and counters
- Cut-out numerals and counters
Sensorial activities are designed to help children develop and refine the senses of sight, touch, taste, smell and sound. These skills assist with classifying, sorting and discriminating between objects to interpret their sensory impressions. These skills are necessary foundations for language and mathematics.
Example materials and activities include:
- Pink tower
- Brown stairs
- Red rods
- Geometric tray
- Thermic tablets
Practical life activities focus on care of self, care of others, and care of the environment. In addition to teaching daily life skills, practical life activities promote independence, social skills, grace and courtesy, concentration, and coordination.
Example materials and activities include:
- Spooning
- Pouring
- Gardening and plant care
- Grating
- Window washing
Daily Routine Overview
The preschool routine outlines the typical daily flow for children aged 3 – 6 years in the Montessori preschooler community. This daily routine provides a consistent pattern of activities for learning time, meals, rest, and outdoor play. The predictability of the routine helps children to feel secure and positively influences their emotional, cognitive, and social development.
| 7:30am – 9am Morning | 9am- 11:30am Mid Morning | 11:30am – 12pm Lunch time | 12pm- 2pm Sleep or rest | 2pm-4:30pm Afternoon | 4:30pm-6pm Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Opens | Morning tea | Lunch time | Sleep time | Afternoon tea | Indoor activities |
| Morning Greeting | Outdoor Play | Socialising | rest time | Outdoor play | Late afternoon snack |
| Montessori Work Cycle | Group time | Clean up | Quiet activity | Pack up time | Centre closes |
Tour With Your Preschooler
Montessori nurtures preschoolers’ natural curiosity and independence through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. It helps children build confidence, social skills, concentration, and early academic foundations, preparing them for school and a lifelong love of learning.
Montessori Available Programs
0-2
Infant Program
The Infant Program is designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of children aged 0-2. Children learn through movement and exploration.
2-3
Toddler Program
The Montessori Toddler Program is active, self-paced, and involves learning using all five senses. Children are introduced to the five areas of the Montessori Curriculum.
4-6
School Readiness
Our School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Program combines school-styled workbooks with practical school readiness skills.
0-2
Infant Program
The Infant Program is designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of children aged 0-2. Children learn through movement and exploration.
2-3
Toddler Program
The Montessori Toddler Program is active, self-paced, and involves learning using all five senses. Children are introduced to the five areas of the Montessori Curriculum.
4-6
School Readiness
Our School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Program combines school-styled workbooks with practical school readiness skills.
Montessori Preschool Materials
The Parts of the World Puzzle visually introduces children to the forms and names of the continents, oceans, and hemispheres and their relationship to each other.
Numbers and Counters reinforce children’s understanding of numbers, sequencing, and quantities. This material teaches children that each number is made up of seperate quantities.
The Sandpaper Letters are used to teach children the sound for each letter through muscular and visual memory. Children trace the symbol until the shape of the letter becomes part of their muscle memory.
The Constructive Triangles are used to show that all plane geometric figures can be constructed from triangles. There are five boxes. Each box contains triangles of different sizes, shapes, and colours.
The Moveable Alphabet teaches children to recognise letters and construct words. This material is used in conjunction with language cards. It prepares children for writing and reading.
Mirror polishing teaches children how to clean items in their environment. The process of polishing develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, concentration and independence.
The Parts of the World Puzzle visually introduces children to the forms and names of the continents, oceans, and hemispheres and their relationship to each other.
Numbers and Counters reinforce children’s understanding of numbers, sequencing, and quantities. This material teaches children that each number is made up of seperate quantities.
The Sandpaper Letters are used to teach children the sound for each letter through muscular and visual memory. Children trace the symbol until the shape of the letter becomes part of their muscle memory.
The Constructive Triangles are used to show that all plane geometric figures can be constructed from triangles. There are five boxes. Each box contains triangles of different sizes, shapes, and colours.
The Moveable Alphabet teaches children to recognise letters and construct words. This material is used in conjunction with language cards. It prepares children for writing and reading.
Mirror polishing teaches children how to clean items in their environment. The process of polishing develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, concentration and independence.