Montessori

Begin your journey at AHES…

Hands-on Learning

Play based activities

Observation through senses

Personal growth

Social Skills

Outdoor time

The Montessori method, established by Maria Montessori in 1907, focuses on the universal needs of children and takes a “whole child” approach to education. This includes focus on physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth of a child. Montessori classrooms are child-centric environments with child-accessible activities.

Teachers act as guides to the students and respect each child’s right to work towards intrinsic reward by honoring freedom of choice and movement. Self-discovery and self-discipline develop as children have the opportunity to work autonomously.

After rigorous evaluation of different educational methodologies in 2013, we made a commitment to the Montessori method, replacing a conventional Junior Kindergarten class with a Casa 1 Montessori class. Under the guidance of two qualified Montessori teachers and complete overhaul of the classroom, our first group of Montessori students experienced the benefits of this methodology with the addition of age relevant and developmentally appropriate Islamic content.

 

The aim of Montessori Education is to foster autonomous, competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong-learners and problem-solvers. – Dr. Maria Montessori

 

The unique and fundamental elements of a Montessori classroom are based on:

  • Structure,
  • Order,
  • Freedom of choice and
  • Freedom of movement.

Within a structured environment, children learn through hands-on experience. 

The children are guided in their learning by the Montessori teachers who act as a link between the children and the Montessori material. The teacher’s role in a Montessori classroom is to prepare the classroom and present the material to the child enhancing their learning abilities. The beauty of a Montessori classroom is that the children blossom at their own pace according to their potential.

As a result of “work” in a Montessori environment, the children develop focus, responsibility, independence, self-discipline, and love of learning.

 

“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.” - Dr. Maria Montessori

Curriculum

Our Casa program is a 2-year program that starts at the age of 4 years.

In multi-age (4 & 5-year-old) classrooms, our students thrive in an environment that fosters academic excellence along with enhancing their personalities with tarbiyah in the light of the teachings of the Quran & Sunnah.

It is important to highlight here that though it is a multi-age classroom, Casa Juniors (4-year-old) & Casa Seniors (5-year-old) have different benchmarks as the Montessori teachers ensure through the separate learning outcomes.

Creating the Optimal Educational Environment

Each Montessori classroom at AHES is prepared with the same unique neutral décor of child-sized wooden furniture and low open shelves along with a variety of Montessori material to experience close proximity to a natural environment prepared for learning.

The Montessori Curriculum, essential to the Montessori Philosophy, incorporates a framework that supports the holistic development of the children tailored to the needs and interests of each individual child.

The Montessori Curriculum we use at Al Huda Elementary covers five areas of learning.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Practical Life activities help children to take care of themselves and their environment. Practical life activities include grace & courtesy (manners/adab), care of self and care of the environment. 

The purpose of the activities in this area is to develop:

  • Concentration, 
  • Hand-eye coordination,
  • Self-confidence, 
  • Independence and 
  • Indirectly prepare the hand for writing 

Some of the activities in this area include cutting, screwing, dressing frames (buttoning, lacing), polishing and watering plants.

Teaching Methods

Teachers in the Montessori environment at AHES deliver their presentations and begin their morning circles with du’as of knowledge. They live Islam practically in the classrooms and integrate it during their teaching in the entire day of school. 

Such examples are modelled by du’as recited at the first sight of rainfall or when students enter the washroom or begin to eat or do their work. The story time also integrates Islamic principles instilling the habit of looking at everything around in the world through the lens of Deen.

The role of the Montessori teachers at Al Huda Elementary School include:

  • Teaching with children being at the core of the Montessori classroom 
  • Observing and guiding the children in all areas of the Montessori environment 
  • Keeping an eye on where the interest lies of each child
  • Paying attention to each individual’s needs, developmental needs, and emotions.
  • Presenting  the Montessori material to the children either in a group or individual setting and then inviting them to work with the material independently

The Montessori material is presented to the children in sequence, from easiest to hardest, in accordance with their developmental needs and interests, and in accordance with the material they will encounter as they progress through their learning in the 2-year Montessori program. This sequence also sets a tone for an order. This progression in order inculcates an organized thinking in the students following the program and absorbing the outcome of the material at their own pace.

Teachers ensure that the students continue to use the material until they have mastered it before moving on in sequence to the next material. Repetitive use of material and practice develop problem-solving skills, focus and independence.