A person that is truly educated continues learning long after leaving the classroom because he or she is motivated by a natural love of learning and a quest for knowledge.

Our main goal at DIMS is to cultivate the child’s own natural instinct to learn. In our Montessori classrooms, this goal is achieved by allowing the child to experience the thrill of learning by choice rather than force while at the same time encouraging the child to perfect his or her own skills so that the child can take full advantage of future learning situations.

Our Preschool class encompasses a three-year cycle starting when students are at least age 3, and ending in the third year, Kindergarten. Children typically finish the cycle at age 6 and then enter Grade 1 of our Elementary program.

Children aged 3 to 6 years have what Dr. Montessori referred to as the “absorbent mind” – the ability to absorb all aspects of culture and environment without effort or fatigue. To help with this period of “self-construction” – individual work is encouraged.

Description of the Learning Areas:

PRACTICAL LIFE

Lessons in this area promote the concepts of caring for oneself, caring for others and caring for the Environment. Activities in this area of the classroom include many of the tasks that children see done in their own home environment, like preparing food, washing tables, etc, along with exercises of grace and courtesy. Through the self-care exercises the children develop confidence and independence. Control and co-ordination of their movements is developed, as well as their capacity for concentration. They also learn the habit of working at a task from beginning to end.

Sensorial Area

The Sensorial Exploration area of the classroom develops the ability of the child to perceive and understand the world through the senses. Children learn to order and classify their environment by touching, feeling, smelling, seeing, listening, tasting and exploring the physical properties of their environment. Dr. Montessori understood and embraced the words of Aristotle, “There is nothing in the intellect which was not first in the senses…”

Language Area

The Pre-school classroom is rich in conversation, stories, and songs. Sandpaper letters, recognize the child’s need for a tactile expression of a sound and provide the means for the child to link sound and symbol naturally, encouraging the development of written expression and reading skills.

Mathematics

Mathematics activities rely on the use of concrete materials that the children can manipulate themselves. The children are given a solid understanding of basic and complex mathematical principles, which prepares them for later abstract reasoning and problem-solving.

Cultural Studies

In this area, the child will learn geography, science, social studies, maps, globes and about different cultures throughout the world. This program will develop from simple to complex and concrete to abstract, as does all Montessori education. The child will study the earth focusing on the prehistoric era, solar system, and the structure of the earth. It will then lead to land and water forms, followed by a study of individual countries leading to their town and themselves.

The Library Corner

The aim for the library corner is to encourage a love for literature in a quiet atmosphere. Every day our teachers read for the children.

THE Peace Area

This area promotes peacefulness and problem solving techniques. If two children are having a problem, they go to this area to discuss it. An “I Can” Problem Solve Program and character education guide the child to develop skills of decision making, tolerance, and social compassion.

THE Art Area

This area provides a variety of mediums for the children to create and explore.

THE Snack Area

Children learn self-help skills and coordination while enjoying a snack with a small group of friends. They serve themselves and clean up their area.

Curriculum

Doves International Montessori School’s programme of learning is structured so that we equip our children to develop concentration, coordination and working habits necessary for the more advanced exercises they will perform at later stages in their development. We encourage the children to learn to work quietly and intently on their own tasks to develop self-discipline. They are encouraged to use the material with a sense of perfection and order. We follow the North American Montessori Council curriculum.

Our “prepared environment” contains Montessori approved equipment and materials that are graded to suit the needs of each child.