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Overview of development
Overview of development
Between the ages of 3 and 6 is a critical period where the child transitions from an unconscious explorer to a conscious worker, laying the foundation for their character, intellect, and social identity. Children possess what Dr. Maria Montessori called the Absorbent Mind. While the younger child absorbs the world effortlessly, the 3-to-6-year-old begins to process these experiences with intention.
The Need for Order: Children have an innate psychological need for consistency and routine. A predictable environment allows them to feel secure, which is the prerequisite for deep concentration.
Refining the Senses: Children are driven to classify and categorize every sight, sound, smell, and texture they encounter. They are essentially "sensorial explorers" seeking to understand the physical qualities of their world.
The Drive for Independence: The primary cry of the child in this program is, "Help me to do it by myself." They are motivated by an internal urge to master their own movements and care for their own needs.
The learning environment
The learning environment
To support the child's natural growth during these formative years, our program focuses on four key pillars of development:
1. Practical Life Skills
Children engage in purposeful, everyday activities—such as pouring, polishing, and food preparation. These tasks serve a dual purpose: they build the child’s coordination and executive function while fostering a deep sense of responsibility and self-worth.
2. Sensorial Exploration
Through specialized Montessori materials, children learn to isolate and name different qualities (dimension, color, shape, pitch). This work refines their perception and serves as the mathematical and scientific foundation for later abstract learning.
3. Language and Literacy
The classroom is a rich environment of oral language and phonics. We move from the concrete to the abstract, using Sandpaper Letters to connect sounds to symbols, eventually leading the child to "total reading" by sparking their interest in various subjects, such as botany, zoology and geography.
4. Mathematics through Concrete Materials
Mathematical concepts are introduced through hands-on materials that allow children to literally "hold" numbers in their hands. By working with the Decimal System and geometry in a tactile way, they develop a logical mind and a genuine love for numbers.
One of the most vital aspects of our program is the mixed-age grouping. Older children serve as mentors and role models, reinforcing their own knowledge by helping others, while younger children are inspired by the advanced work of their peers. This creates a natural social harmony and a community built on mutual respect.
Areas of study for Montessori Pathway
Areas of study for Montessori Pathway
Art
Artwork helps a child develop hand-eye coordination. Children interested in painting will find aprons, paper, paint and brushes ready for use. Life subjects observed in other areas of the school, for example a seed that the group has watched grow into a plant, can inspire children to reproduce what they see, by drawing, painting, coloured pencils or crayon. The focus of the activities is to practice eye-hand coordination, muscle memory and to strengthen the fingers in preparation for writing.
Botany
Botany assists the child in exploring the biological aspects of their environment. It helps them develop an appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. The study of botany is child-centered, using live plants as a catalyst for interest and knowledge.
English Language Arts
Through the use of a multitude of activities, the child first learns phonics sounds, reading and writing using phonics, irregular or sight words, phonograms and blends, which leads to fluent reading.
Geography
Starting with land, water and air, and progressing to studying the world's different regions through photographs, art, geo-molds and geography (continent and countries) puzzles.
History
By examining their own timeline from birth to present, and their own family tree, children gain their first sense of history, and the concept of time is brought to life.
Lao Language
AIMS preschoolers become familiar with Lao language verbally during daily calendar activities to help stimulate an interest in the language. Students (with parents’ permission) who show an interest in the language can learn to read, write, and pronounce Lao words using phonics.
Mathematics
All activities incorporate the interesting and stimulating use of materials. Children first learn to count to one hundred (0-100), then systematically progress to solving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problem sets.
Practical Life
These activities are offered to assist the child in developing a sense of order, concentration, personal pride, independence, respect for others, fine motor skills, grace and courtesy, confidence and self-esteem.
Science Experiments
All activities incorporate the interesting and stimulating use of materials. Children first learn to count to one hundred (0-100), then systematically progress to solving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problem sets.
Sensorial Development & Music Enrichment
Sensorial Activities including Music: An array of activities to assist the child in understanding the information they receive from their environment. Sensorial impressions are infinite. The activities presented in these areas help the child discriminate, appreciate and understand their world. Music for the classroom is also covered through our Music and Movement activity.
Zoology
Children by their very nature are fascinated with animals. We learn about animals and to respect their needs, habits and characteristics.
Combined-Curriculum pathway
Combined-Curriculum pathway
At this level, the topics covered in the Lao National Curriculum mostly overlap with a part of our Montessori curriculum. Students in this pathway learn concepts through the Montessori approach with an emphasis on practicing and mastering Lao vocabulary.
We have developed Montessori style learning materials to support learning how to read and write in Lao through Lao phonics.
Enrol today!
Enrol today!
AIMS welcomes applications for all year levels at all times.
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