Cultural
The Cultural activities learning area is also known as Understanding Of The World. The Cultural learning area of the curriculum includes:
- Biology
- Geography
- History
- Science
The teaching is holistic, starting from a general perspective and moving to specific aspects. For example the children are introduced to the solar system and the planets, of which Earth is one and then move on to the geography of the Earth, how it is made of land and water. The continents would come next, followed by specific countries and the cultures of the people that live there.
- Solar system
- Earth
- Land and water
- Contents
- Countries
- Peoples and cultures
Cultural lessons are spread out throughout the year and are a major component of presentations in circle time where the children come together with a teacher. The progress through Cultural subjects forms part of the long term lesson plan for the year.
Biology
In biology children learn about their environment through the nature table and the preschool garden. Concepts learned in other learning areas help them to understand nature. We offer children an insight about the sun in relation to plants and animals, farm animals, their families, puzzles, pairing cards, terminology cards, life cycles and natural habitats.
Geography
In geography we start from the creation of the earth, solar system, to continents, countries, cities, towns and so on. We celebrate different festivals so that children are aware of other cultures as well. It helps them to understand the similarities and differences between people all around the world.
History
In history we help children to understand the concept of time, for example using an egg timer to measure the passing of time. When celebrating your child’s birthday we play a birthday game. Parents are asked to provide a set of photos describing their child’s life, some start with a CT scan picture! This shows the passage of time in your child’s life.
Science
Science with children is done in a fun way, in the form of experiments. It starts with a discussion and leads to an idea. We do simple things like magnets, objects that can float or sink, animate and inanimate objects. Cooking simple foods allows the children to use measurement and follow a recipe (procedure).
Cultural events
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Reading on World Book Day
World book day is a day of celebration for reading books and the impact they can have on children, especially young children. Created in 1995 by The United Nations UNESCO it is now celebrated in over 100 countries. In the preschool we celebrate this special day with reading our favourite books using models of the…
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Remembrance Day
The Cultural area of the Montessori curriculum includes the recognition and celebration of cultural events. Remembrance Day in the UK is on the 11th November. It remembers and commemorates people who gave their lives in conflicts. The children often call this day Poppy Day after the symbol of the poppy flower. This photograph shows the…
