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Girl in the Practical Life area buttoning a montessori dressing frame at Treetops Montessori Preschool and childcare in West Vancouver

THE MONTESSORI METHOD

Dr. Maria Montessori founded a philosophy that later inspired sweeping reforms in modern education. She believed that children have a desire to explore, discover and learn about their environment. 
Montessori schools support the Montessori philosophy and aim to help children build the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning. They are based on Dr. Montessori’s observations that each child is unique and should be helped to develop to his or her fullest potential.
The early years are critical, and children should have every opportunity to strengthen positive attitudes towards learning during these formative years. 
Montessori children learn how to learn. They establish patterns of concentration and perseverance which help them become competent learners for life. They are helped to do this in the “prepared environment” of a Montessori classroom. These rooms contain scientifically researched and developed, sequenced and interrelated materials which allow the children to explore through manipulation and discovery. 
Although the Montessori curriculum is structured, each child moves through it at their own pace.  It is the teacher’s role, on the basis of study and observation of the child, to prepare the environment which will stimulate, challenge and satisfy each child.
In a Montessori classroom, there is a special atmosphere of cheerful orderliness, calmness and purposeful work. The Montessori approach is child-centered but adult guided. It is structured but free for learning, emphasizing basics in an enjoyable manner.
The Montessori Method aims to develop each child’s; concentration, co-ordination, persistence in completing a task, self-discipline, orderliness, desire to learn, initiative, creative self-expression and independence

WHAT IS MONTESSORI WORK?

SENSORIAL

Includes activities that allow the child to refine each of their senses: Sight, Touch, Smell, Taste and Sound.
Children refine their senses as they explore:

  • size, shape, colour, texture

This hands-on exploration helps children organize their thinking and prepares them for more abstract learning.

.

LANGUAGE

Based on phonetic
awareness, children work through specific
hands-on and tactile language materials. 

Language development progresses naturally from:

  • spoken language

  • to phonetic awareness

  • to reading, writing, and creative expression

Children develop strong communication skills at their own pace.

MATH

With the use of concrete learning materials, each exercise builds upon another and the child gradually moves to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
fractions.

Mathematics is introduced through concrete materials that allow children to:

  • see and physically manipulate quantities

  • build a deep understanding of number concepts

  • gradually move toward abstract thinking

PRACTICAL LIFE

Materials and works are inspired by 'real-life' tasks, and teach children important skills through fun, step by step activities that convey respect, responsibility and caring.
Children build essential life skills through purposeful, real-world activities such as:

  • caring for themselves

  • caring for their environment

  • developing coordination and independence

These experiences form the foundation for confidence and concentration.

CULTURE

Cultural learning materials allow the child to explore the
natural world around them and includes:
Geography, Zoology, Botany, History and
Science.

Learning is interconnected and discovery-based, helping children develop curiosity.

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CREATIVE EXPRESSION ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING INTEGRATED INTO OUR MONTESSORI CURRICULUM


ART AND MUSIC 
 

Creative expression is integrated into the daily environment through:

  • open-ended art materials

  • music and movement experiences

The focus is on creativity and process rather than product.

Outdoor Learning

Children regularly engage with the natural environment through:

  • outdoor exploration

  • caring for plants and natural spaces

This fosters responsibility, respect, and connection to nature.
 

FRENCH LANGUAGE

Children are introduced to French through:

  • songs

  • conversation

  • interactive activities

This builds early confidence in listening and communication.

MOVEMENT AND WELL BEING
 

Yoga & Mindful Movement
 

Children are introduced to yoga as a gentle and engaging way to support:

  • balance and coordination

  • body awareness

  • focus and self-regulation

Through simple poses, breathing exercises, and guided movement, children learn how to:

  • slow their bodies

  • build awareness of movement

  • develop calm and concentration

Yoga is offered in a developmentally appropriate way, often through storytelling and short guided sessions, helping children build lifelong tools for emotional well-being.
 

Karate & Physical Confidence

Our Karate program provides children with opportunities to develop:

  • coordination and strength

  • confidence and self-discipline

  • respect for themselves and others

Through structured movement and guided instruction, children learn:

  • how to follow multi-step directions

  • how to channel energy positively

  • how to build perseverance

Karate is offered as an optional, age-appropriate program and is designed to complement the Montessori environment without interrupting the core learning cycle.
 

OUR KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Our Kindergarten year is a time of academic and personal transformation.

Children naturally progress into:

  • fluent reading and writing

  • multi-digit mathematics using concrete materials

  • leadership roles in the classroom

  • complex problem-solving and independent work habits

This is where everything comes together.

Child's hand moving trinomial cube in the sensorial area of the Treetops Montessori classroom

LANGUAGE

Boy working with sandpaper letters in the language area of the Treetops Montessori classroom

MATH

Boy working with Montessori math bead material for skip counting at Treetops Montessori Preschool in West Vancouver BC

PRACTICAL LIFE

Girl working with Practical LIfe Montessori material - polishing metal at Treetops Montessori Preschool on the North Shore in Vancouver. BC

CULTURE

Cultural celebration of Christmas at Treetops Montessori Preschool
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