First Milestones’ Curriculum
We believe that no two children are the same, which is why we create a curriculum that meets the needs and interests of each individual. Our curriculum is a combination of the Dr Maria Montessori philosophy and the Reggio Emilia approach, as well as a play-based learning method.
Montessori
Through the Montessori method of learning, children can achieve independence by working at their own pace. Children are given full authority over their intellectual development, allowing them to develop concentration and determination naturally through self-directed activities that engage all senses. This approach recognizes the importance of sensitive periods during the first six years of life and motivates children to learn and develop skills on their own.
The five areas of Montessori learning are:
Practical Life
Imitation is one of the strongest urges a child will feel. Practical life exercises are designed to imitate daily activities (such as folding clothes, watering plants, and tidying up) which foster independence, coordination and concentration, and provide opportunities for social interaction.
Sensorial
Sensorial activities allow children to explore the physical world in a sensory-rich environment. These materials present ideas in a concrete form while laying down the foundation for mathematics.
Language
This area of learning enables children to expand their vocabulary and primarily focuses on reading and writing, with the development of phonetic sounds.
Mathematics
First introduced through the use of solid objects, before progressing to the abstract thinking of mathematical concepts, this area of learning establishes a solid foundation regarding numbers and quantities.
Culture
Providing a basis for exploration and an appreciation of the world around them, culture studies are primarily focused on Geography, History, Zoology, Botany and Science.
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Reggio Emilia
Through the Reggio Emilia approach, children are treated as independent individuals who are capable of directing their own interests and building their own theories. As teachers, we work alongside the child, helping them provoke ideas, problem solve and resolve conflicts. At First Milestones Education & Childcare, children are raised as creative thinkers and self-motivated explorers. We help children to develop socially, emotionally and intellectually through group work, art, music, dance, writing, singing, science and more.
The four major principles of the Reggio Emilia approach are:
Emergent Curriculum
Classroom and curriculum topics are derived from discussing individual interests with children and their families.
In-Depth Projects
These projects are thorough studies of concepts and ideas based on the information gathered regarding a child’s interests. Projects are often introduced to children as adventures and can last varying periods.
Representational Development
Accounting for multiple intelligences, this development calls for multiple forms of learning, such as print, art, drama, music, puppetry and more.
Collaboration
As collaboration is necessary for cognitive development, children are viewed as collaborators who work best when included as part of a community, as opposed to working independently. Emphasis is placed on working in small groups which allows for close interaction between parents, teachers and children, which replicates the social interactions we experience in the world around us as we grow and develop.
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Play-Based Learning
Play has many benefits for children's development and can influence and advance the neural pathways in children's brains, helping them to develop important skills such as exploration, thinking, problem-solving, and language expression.
Additionally, play-based learning has been found to promote greater social, emotional, and academic success. Rather than separating play from learning, play-based learning integrates both to foster creativity in future generations.
By bringing their language, customs, and culture into the classroom through play, children engage in making meaning of the world, which is the heart of learning in all subjects. At First Milestones Education & Childcare, we support children's learning through play, promoting creativity and academic work to help develop confidence, social, and cognitive skills in engaging in new experiences and environments.
