Preschool Learning Programs

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.

Education is important, especially from three to six years of age, because this is the embryonic period for the formation of character and of society

Maria Montessori

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

Toddler Curriculum

Practical Life

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

Toddler Curriculum

Sensorial

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

Toddler Curriculum

Mathematics

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

Toddler Curriculum

Language

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

Toddler Curriculum

Culture

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

Toddler Curriculum

Early Years Learning Framework

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

Toddler Curriculum

Practical Life

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

Toddler Curriculum

Sensorial

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

Toddler Curriculum

Mathematics

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

Toddler Curriculum

Language

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

Toddler Curriculum

Culture

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

Toddler Curriculum

Early Years Learning Framework

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

From the age of three til six, being able to now to tackle his environment deliberately and consciously, he begins a period of real constructiveness.

Maria Montessori

Daily Routine Overview

The toddler routine outlines the typical daily flow for children aged two to three years in the Montessori toddler community. The toddler 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 OpensMorning teaLunch timeSleep timeAfternoon teaIndoor activities
Morning GreetingOutdoor PlaySocialisingrest timeOutdoor playLate afternoon snack
Montessori Work CycleGroup timeClean upQuiet activityPack up timeCentre closes

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Montessori is a method of education that is personalised to each child’s learning style, stage of development, and interests. Children develop complete academic and wellbeing foundations through hands-on experience, real-world application, and problem-solving using the Montessori Method of education.

Montessori Available Programs

Montessori Academy is Australia’s leading Montessori Childcare and Early Learning Group. We deliver a Montessori Education Programs for ages 0-6 that nurtures confident, courageous, and independent learners. Join our Montessori learning community today.

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 to develop a positive and confident attitude towards school.

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 to develop a positive and confident attitude towards school.

Montessori Preschool Materials