Areas of Curriculum
"Work" is our Play
Practical Life
At My Friends Montessori the Practical Life area provides the foundation for all learning by helping children develop independence, coordination, concentration, and a sense of purpose and responsibility. These real-life activities—such as pouring, sweeping, buttoning, tying, food preparation, and caring for plants -are meaningful and familiar to children. Practical Life work is divided into areas like care of self, care of the environment, grace and courtesy, and control of movement. Through these tasks, children refine motor skills, build confidence, gain social skills with effective communication, and learn to care for themselves and their surroundings. The repetition and focus involved in Practical Life activities also prepare the hand and mind for later work in writing, math, and beyond, supporting the development of order, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic.
Sensorial
The Sensorial area at My Friends Montessori is designed to help children refine and develop their five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—through purposeful, hands-on exploration. Materials such as the Pink Tower, Knobbed Cylinders, Color Tablets, and Sound Cylinders isolate specific sensory qualities and perceptions like size, shape, texture, color, and sound, allowing children to compare, sort, and classify what they perceive. This work strengthens observation, concentration, and decision-making skills while preparing the brain for future academic learning in math, language, and science. Sensorial experiences also support the development of order and coordination. Nurturing curiosity and helping children to make more sense of the world around them enriched with a deeper awareness, fostering both intellectual and sensory growth.
Mathematics
Math concepts are taught through hands-on tangible materials that help children build a deep understanding of numbers, quantity and operations. Children begin by exploring quantity and numerals using tools like Number Rods and Sandpaper Numerals, then move on to impressive math concepts such as, place value and the decimal system with tangible Golden Beads they can manipulate to represent quantity. Through these concrete materials, they practice and learn the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a way that makes math understandable and clear. Activities like bead chains and counting boards support number sequencing and early problem-solving. This tangible approach builds confidence, logical thinking, and plants a visual of quantity within the mind, building a strong foundation for all future math learning and concepts.
Language
Language Curriculum at My Friends Montessori is Rooted in the Science of Reading, building essential skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through a hands-on, child-centered approach. It begins with rich oral language experiences—stories, songs, and vocabulary games—to strengthen listening and speaking skills. Children are introduced to letter sounds using an array of multisensory tools that include the Sandpaper Letters, helping them connect sounds to symbols. Writing often comes next with the Moveable Alphabet, allowing children to build words and sentences even before they can write by hand. Reading follows naturally, beginning with phonetic words and progressing to more complex texts, all within a thoughtfully prepared and sequenced environment that nurtures joyful, confident, readers and communicators.
Movement & Outdoor Play
Movement is essential to a child’s development—without it, the mind cannot fully open to learning. At My Friends Montessori, we place a strong emphasis on promoting physical activity, coordination, and gross motor development. Children are free to move about the classroom throughout their work cycles, choosing spaces and positions that support their focus and comfort. Structured movement activities such as yoga, dance, outdoor play, and indoor exercises are also provided, helping children to build body awareness, balance, and strength, while also supporting concentration, confidence, and overall well-being.
Outdoor Play is an essential part of our program, allowing children to explore nature, engage in physical exercise, and develop an appreciation for the outdoors. Our outdoor activities promote social interaction, sensory exploration, and an understanding, love and respect of our natural world.
Art
Art at My Friends Montessori is available within the art area. It is mindfully created to encourage creativity and self-expression through various artistic mediums. Children engage independently in activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and exploring different textures to develop and express their artistic skills, creativity and imagination.
Music
Music at My Friends Montessori is an integral and natural part of our day every day. Children have the opportunity to join in as we explore rhythm, melody, and musical expression through singing, dancing, and playing age-appropriate instruments. This part of our program aims to foster a love for music and develop a sense of musicality in each child.