EDUCATION AT THE BEEHIVE One of the main aims for The Beehive is to be appealing to the child, making at the same time very specific educational contributions. Presented in the right way and in the right order it guides the child naturally through manipulative skills, independence and trial and error, to the satisfaction of reading and writing and comprehension of basic mathematical skills. Learning Through Play For the child, play is enjoyable, voluntary, purposeful and spontaneously chosen activity. This self-led learning is often creative, involving problem solving, learning new social skills, new language and new physical skills. We do this by providing learning opportunities both inside and outside throughout the session. To Montessori, the words ’work’ and ‘play’ were synonymous; play is your child’s work, simply because this is the means by which they learn. Practical Life Experiences These are particularly appealing to a younger child because they are activities that happen every day at home. Our aim is to promote independence, concentration and self-esteem. These include social skills such as greetings and carrying chairs, to cutting, polishing, pouring, and threading. Sensorial This is the equipment most commonly associated with Montessori. Equipment is designed to isolate one sense at a time which prepares children for later learning. Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy Children use mathematical language to describe shape, position, size and quantity. They learn to recognise and recreate patterns. They enjoy a variety of number rhymes, songs, stories, counting games activities. They compare, sort, match, order, sequence and count using everyday objects. They learn to recognise and use numbers to 10 and beyond as and when they are ready. Through practical activities children understand and record numbers and begin to show awareness of number operations, such as addition and subtraction. Communication, Language and Literacy In small and large groups, the children learn to listen attentively and talk about their experiences. They are exposed to a wide variety of stories, songs, nursery rhymes and poems and are encouraged to take part in role play activities. The early Montessori curriculum prepares children for language and literacy skills and as they are ready, children are introduced to letters, word building and reading books. Knowledge And Understanding Of The World Every opportunity is made to put children in touch with nature and the beginnings of Geography, History and Science, through conversation, stories and projects. The Montessori cultural curriculum exposes the children to concepts through real means such as hands on experiments. Creative Development Artwork and Music, movement and drama and are made available in a wide range of activities, with the emphasis on self-expression and promoting confidence. Children are encouraged to respond to what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel. Through music, dance, stories and role play, they are encouraged to use their imagination, to listen and to observe. They are exposed to a wide range of materials, tools and instruments to allow expression of ideas and communication of feelings. Physical Development Establishing positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life, children are encouraged to move confidently and imaginatively. Outdoor free-play forms part of each session and the children learn to use a range of small and large equipment which develops their physical control, mobility, awareness of space and manipulative skills. Personal, Social and Emotional Development Children learn to work as part of a group and independently. They are encouraged to concentrate and persevere in their learning and to seek help where needed. The development of the child’s independence is at the heart of our curriculum. Children are encouraged to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and to show respect for other cultures and beliefs. They learn to express their feelings, to behave in appropriate ways and develop an understanding of what is right, what is wrong and why.