The Casa environment is a child’s world, focusing on the size, pace and interests.
Our Montessori Casa program is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child’s sensitive years when he can effortlessly absorb information from an enriched classroom environment. The classroom (indoors and outdoors) is a prepared environment for the child’s unique aptitude for learning.
By manipulating materials, children start their understanding of concepts in these areas with a firm concrete base. By providing freedom within limits, children are allowed to work individually at their own pace and develop a self-motivated love of learning. Self-discovery materials help develop a mind that can independently solve problems and think critically. A love of learning results which prepares the child for a lifetime of education.
The Casa Classroom
The Casa classroom is divided into five different areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Culture- geography, Arts.
Within these areas, the materials are logically organized from simple idea to the complex, and from concrete to the abstract. Each area has hands-on materials which are geometrically shaped, simply designed, aesthetic, and suitable for small hands. Interaction with these high-quality materials rewards the child with a range of sensorial experiences.
Casa Program Areas
Practical Life
Practical Life materials and activities are designed to develop a child’s everyday life skills and promote independence. Concepts and techniques are easily learned from birth and six years of age that, later on, will be considered more difficult for an older child to learn. Some examples of Practical Life activities are pouring and transporting liquid/solid techniques, paper cutting with scissors, sorting, folding, dressing frames (lacing, zippers, and tying buttons), etc.
Sensorial
Sensorial activities develop and enhance sense perceptions and logical thinking that are significate to growing minds. Through sensorial activities, a child successfully makes inner connections with the world around them. Sensorial materials are designed to help a child develop and learn concepts and ideas through their senses. The Sensorial materials are divided into six components: Tactile (touch), Baric (pressure or weight), Thermal (temperature), Auditory (sound), Olfactory & Gustatory (smell & taste), and Stereo gnostic (recognition and impression) senses.
Language
Language supports to grasp concepts of science, history, or geography, they must first be well-versed in language. In Montessori environment the child would be supported in development of oral and writing. In Montessori environment the prepared language materials would play vital role in the language development.
Daily writing is practiced to nurture the creative writing process while developing printing and cursive writing skills.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a core subject that is practiced on a daily basis. Math concepts are presented and practiced using concrete Montessori materials such as number rods, stamp games, bead stairs, and more. These materials help to develop a child’s logical mathematical mind and problem-solving skills. Once a child has mastered a concept, they move toward working at an abstract level.
Culture
Geography is taught with visual, colorful concrete materials that enhance the child’s ability to learn. Geography, History, and Green Awareness are all a part of the Culture component of Montessori learning. Montessori students will have the opportunity to investigate both ancient and modern peoples. There is also an emphasis on raising awareness for environmental issues and learning to recycle classroom materials which builds good habits for the future.
Arts
It is our goal to enhance the artistic nature within each child as well, by teaching an appreciation for and awareness of the diversity of art around us. Music, Arts, are all taught at the Montessori level to foster a child’s natural ability, creativity, and imagination. Learning through music encourages cognitive and literacy skills, creativity and individuality. Through storytelling, theatre performance, pantomiming, public speaking, and more, students are taught to think creatively to develop ideas and solutions