The goal of the Casa dei Bambini programme is to help children achieve intellectual, social and physical excellence and independence, while they develop a respect and understanding of the world, and their place within it. 

The teacher intensely follows each child, presenting carefully designed lessons and materials on a one-to-one basis to stimulate each child to fulfill his or her own potential. 

Mathematics. The mathematics materials provide a logical progression from concrete to conceptual.  The child learns addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions using specific equipment.  The benefit of this approach is quickly seen, when children of five understand, in a fundamental way, concepts not traditionally introduced until much later.

Science.  Botany, geology, anthropology, life sciences, basic chemistry and other sciences are introduced through teacher-guided practical experimentation and specifically designed equipment.

Language Activities.  This is a language rich environment – in both English and Putonghua.  Through a variety of activities and materials, children become familiar with sounds and symbols and begin the process of writing, which leads naturally to reading.  A second language is best introduced at this age, when children are physically, emotionally and cognitively most receptive to learn.

Practical Life.  Children acquire many daily living skills:  preparing food, fastening clothes and caring for their environment.  These activities help children extend their powers of concentration and observation, and develop coordinated movement, including the fine-motor skills required for writing.

Sensorial Activities.  Through interaction with sensorial materials which isolate one quality – such as color or shape – children experience the world through their senses, in a way that establishes the physical and mental foundation for further learning.

Cultural Activities.  Art, music and geography are integrated into the whole language experience, for both English and Putonghua.  Living plants, animals and hands –on materials are part of the classroom, allowing children to develop skills in scientific observation and comparison.

Social Activities.  In a Montessori classroom, children experience the balance between the freedom of the individual and the concerns of the group.  Other social behaviors that flourish in the Casa dei Bambini programme are responsibility for one’s own behavior, respect for others, and care of the environment.

Physical Education.  Casa dei Bambini programme is different from a traditional, group-oriented kindergarten / Casa dei Bambini school in that children are free to choose activities and move about the room.  Through natural physical activity, children expend energy and develop large and small muscle coordination.  There is a playroom provided for use by the children.  After lunch, Full Dday children may play in the indoor or outdoor play areas.  Children are encouraged to play at home after school, and after school Judo and Gymnastics classes are offered.

Celebrations and Traditions.  Casa dei Bambini programme celebrations develop a sense of community.  Divali, Channukah, Christmas and Chinese New Year and other major holidays offer opportunities to explore differences in cultures and create shared traditions.  For instance, at American Thanksgiving, children share a potluck feast in the classroom.  This harvest festival provides the opportunity for the children to investigate similar festivals throughout the world.  In addition, the children put on a play each year.

Food.  Lunch time is an important time for the extended day child.  The lunchbox is the responsibility of the child, and provides opportunities for the child to bring part of home to school each day.  Healthy snacks and juice are also provided by the school.

Conferences.  Conferences to discuss each child’s development are held twice a year.  Teachers communicate frequently with parents through notes, phone calls and regular International Montessori School (IMS) communication channels.

 

“The environment of the Casa dei Bambini programme is precisely designed to meet my son’s needs.  He’s drawn toward learning – it’s opened up the entire world for him.  It’s so exciting to watch your child unfold.”

-- Montessori Parent