“When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength.”
Little ones get to start every day with a dose of sunshine!
They build their little worlds in the sandpit, create mini obstacle courses, train their dribbling skills or plant some vegetables.
“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”
Circle Time takes place before we start the work period and again before we end the day. It is a time for togetherness and connection as a community!
We do a mixture of read-alouds, music, movement, conversation, reflection and fun.
“The child is, by nature, hungry for words; he loves strange, long words like the names of dinosaurs and constellations. He takes in all these words without understanding their meaning, as his mind is still taking language in by a process of unconscious absorption.”
We believe in the importance of language and communication. It is especially crucial in the early years, as the ability to learn a language peaks at ages 3 to 6.
We will be learning three languages (English, Chinese and Malay) through speaking, reading and writing.
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.”
Children work on a meaningful project over a period of time, from a month up to a term, that engages them in solving a problem, answering a big question or researching a topic.
At the end, they showcase their findings to a real audience via an exhibition or presentation.
Through these, children build the foundation of lifelong skills – planning, problem solving, public speaking, thinking creatively and working collaboratively.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”
Using the Montessori method, it creates a tactile experience for children because they constantly work with their hands on the colorful materials to grasp Math concepts. They begin with very concrete materials and gradually progress to abstract concepts.
Math becomes fun, and has little to do with memorizing without understanding the logic!
“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.”
Children engage in activities such as arts and crafts, drama, music and movement to spark their imagination, get their bodies moving, stimulate and help children cultivate their abilities across different domains of the mind.
Most importantly, the creative arts emphasize the process, encouraging children to experiment and showing them that the journey by which they arrive at the destination is as or more significant than the destination itself.
Sit back and let your child discover the magic!
“A child’s character develops in accordance with the obstacles he has encountered… or the freedom favoring his development that he has enjoyed.”
Dr. Montessori believed in educating the whole child. In a classroom, children learn to work cooperatively with their peers, to wait for their turns to use the materials, to decide which activities from the shelves they would to do or to solve conflicts peacefully.
Through these opportunities, children learn decision-making skills, responsibility, accountability, concentration, self-motivation and more.
“The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”
For 20 minutes each day, the whole school will drop everything and read, to cultivate the joy of reading.
“The education of even a very small child does not aim for preparing him for school, but for life.”
Children feel a sense of pride and love for their environment.
The categories of Practical Life lay the foundation for a child’s journey towards independence and self-control: Grace and Courtesy, Control of Movement, Care of Self and Care of Environment.
We practice these throughout the day by being polite with each other, preparing snacks, taking care of our belongings, watering the plants and cleaning our classroom before we leave everyday.
“Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.”
Brain-based, heart-led, positive parenting workshops to empower parents with knowledge and skills to build a trusting relationship with your children.
“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking: it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”
Knowing and understanding the community we live in is an essential part of a child’s development.
In today’s fast-paced, individualistic, digital world, empathy is ever more important. Dr. Montessori believed that by teaching children empathy, we can change the world.
We aim to model and practice empathy through showing respect, honouring feelings and demonstrating compassion.
We will also encourage our children to give back to their communities in their own special ways.
Copyright 2022, Paper Planes
