Programs
Highlights of the Montessori Environment at Our School
Toddler Program
Ages 1 - 2½
Toddlers are at an exciting age and time of great cognitive, social, and expressive growth. They are developing the language skills to help express their wants, ideas, and needs. Here at Montessori School of East Rutherford we focus on creating a warm, caring, and secure environment. Below are some of the features of our Toddler program.
Consistent encouragement of physical, emotional, & intellectual growth
Small Groups with Individualized Attention
The Child Is encouraged to grow at his or her own pace in a motivating environment
Emphasis on Gross Motor Skills, Language, & Social Interactions
Creative Learning through the Use of Montessori Materials and activities
Alphabet, Numbers, Colors, & Shapes
Program Includes Songs, Rhymes, Story Time, Exercise, Music, & Dance
Assistance in Toilet Learning
Preschool, Pre-K, & Kindergarten Program
Ages 2½ - 6
The Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms are equipped for children of ages 2 1/2 to 6 years. This arrangement allows the children to both learn from and help each other. The curriculum is designed to develop and introduce the child to the following areas:
Language
Sounds of the Spoken Language & Grammar
Alphabet Recognition and Sounds of the Letters
Activities to Prepare the Child for Reading and Writing
Math
Recognition of Numbers
Counting, Quantity & Quality of Numbers
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, & Division, through the Use of Games
Social Studies & Science
Introduces Plant Life, Animal Life, People, Buildings, & Art. Includes Educational Shows & Experiments
Exercises of Practical Life
Develops Movements & Coordination
Takes Care of Oneself & the Environment
Emphasis on Order & Self-Discipline
Sensorial
Develops Special Motor Coordination
Builds Intellectual Activities
Develops the Sensory Skills
Creative Arts & Crafts
Coloring, Tracing, Painting, Cutting, Pasting, Projects & Artwork
Music & Dance
Classes Are Taught by a Professional Dance Teacher
Annual Spring Recital Performed by the Children
Music Includes the Use of Instruments, Rhythms, and Creative Movement
Other Included Programs
Dance program
Children participate in a weekly dance class, taught by a professional dance teacher. They learn the basics of dancing, different styles of dances, and are introduced to an array of movements. They put it all together for a dance recital in the Spring.
Music program
Music enhances learning, and so our classrooms are filled with soft music throughout the day. The children participate in songs and rhymes with actions and movement. They learn new songs every month, and through every season. They are introduced to different instruments and their sounds. Hands on learning with musical instruments, rhythm sticks and bean bag activities.
Reading and Listening
Library shelves and Listening centers give children opportunities to be read to, read on their own and listen to books individually.
Gross motor activities
Outdoor play time in the playground. Indoor activities such as tunnels, balance beams, simple exercises, and following directions to special action songs.
Manners and Etiquette
Children are taught how to greet people, introduce themselves, speak politely, communicate with peers, table manners, and acceptable public behavior, just to name a few. These concepts are taught using role play, dramatics and books.
Computers
At around 4 years of age, children may use computers and learn basics of the computer keyboard and terminology. We use Montessori, Pre-K and Kindergarten level software to enhance learning.