Simcoe Place

A child matching dinosaur figurines to nomenclature cards

Language Acquisition

Enriching a child’s vocabulary fosters the ability to clearly communicate and express oneself. Children’s brains are primed to learn language from before birth to age six, the most critical period for language acquisition, when language can be learned effortlessly. Language in the Montessori classroom is taught in many different ways, such as through storytelling, songs and poems, encouraging self expression, identifying and matching objects to nomenclature cards, and labeling photo representations on nomenclature cards.

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Children under 2 engaged in Autumn sensory exploration

Sensorial Exploration

Sensorial exploration is a fundamental part of development. Children absorb their environment through their senses. In the Under 2 program we are exploring what the seasons have to offer by bringing nature into the classroom and engaging our senses through sensory play.

Please click “Sensorial Exploration” for more information and photos of sensory exploration in the Autumn.

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Children practicing yoga

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that involves slow movements and deep breathing. Practicing this art aids in the children’s relaxation and balance, body control, and self-discipline. Some of the children’s favourite poses are the “lion”, “mighty mountain”, “sun salutation”, and “downward dog”.

Please click on “Yoga” to see more info and photos.

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Child holding a glass walking on a line

Back to School!

Preliminary activities in Casa can include rolling and unrolling a mat, carrying a tray, tucking in a chair, walking on a line, and sorting objects into categories. Reviewing the customs and preliminary activities are a foundation for the day-to-day harmonious function of the classroom. We look forward to another great year in Casa!

Please click on “Back to School!” to see more photos and information!

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Child practicing with a nut, washer and bolt

Refinement of Movement

Refinement of movement materials help the children to refine small movements of the hand, to exercise and develop hand-eye coordination, and to coordinate two hands working together. These types of activities aid the children in concentration, growth, and independence.

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Children under 2 playing with toys in a water table

Water Play!

During the summer months, the children enjoy plenty of water play such as scooping and pouring water, using cloths and sponges, and exploring the sprinkler. Water play provides an opportunity to enhance fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration and social skills.

Please click on “Water Play!” to learn more about our exciting sensory experiences!

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Child creating art for Aboriginal Day

Celebrating Aboriginal Day!

We read stories and learned about Indigenous culture, created art, and discussed traditional clothing and some of the cultural items such as inukshuks, totems, tepees and dream catchers.

“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children” – Aboriginal proverb

Please click on “Celebrating Aboriginal Day!” for more photos.

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Nachos and fresh guacamole and salsa

Cinco de Mayo Celebration!

During the month of May, Casa celebrated Cinco de Mayo by making colourful sombreros, dancing to music from Mexico and making our very own guacamole. Using fresh ingredients, the children learned to measure, mix and grind. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Click on “Cinco de Mayo Celebration!” to see the recipe for our guacamole and more pictures!

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Children helping with food experience

Baking cookies!

Baking is a practical life skill through which children learn how to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and create new substances, all while increasing self help and independence. After preparing the cookies in the morning, they were baked during rest time and the children woke up to warm, delicious cookies!

See more about our cookie making process by clicking on “Baking cookies!”.

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Children learning sign language at circle time

Sign Language

In the Under 2 program, we practice sign language in our everyday interactions. The teachers use sign language to communicate with the children and vice versa. Sign language empowers the children with one another and provides ways to express their feelings, wants and needs.

Please click on “Sign Language” to see examples of children in our classroom signing the words “more”, “please”, and “thank you”.

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