In addition to the basic Montessori program, MLC also offers enhanced specialist programs in French/Spanish, Music, Studio Art, Yoga, Physical Education, and Zoology.

French/Spanish

At MLC, French/Spanish language is taught through the AIM method (Accelerative Integrated Method). The Aim Method (also known as the Gesture Approach) uses specific gestures to teach principal French/Spanish words. The method combines theatre, storytelling and music. Our French/Spanish Teachers only speak French/Spanish to the students, and the students learn to converse in French/Spanish. Although oral communication skills are emphasized (particularly in the early years of the program), appropriate exposure to the written word, and the opportunity to develop reading and writing skills occurs from the beginning. French/Spanish reading and writing skills develop naturally and in conjunction with other language skills in the Montessori classrooms.

Music

Our Music Program, in accord with the Orff and Kodaly approaches, begins with the belief that each child is inherently musical. We encourage our students to develop their skills and understanding using expressive poetry, singing, dancing and instrument playing. Furthermore, the students are taught to play piano in private lessons.  Our process works in harmony with the Montessori method as it begins with concrete musical experiences and gently guides children to comprehend and make use of abstract concepts encouraging composition and improvisation.

Studio Art

By introducing the fundamentals of visual art together with the world of art history, the art program is an integral part of every child's academic experience.  By exploring the work, for example, of Picasso and Dali, the importance of culture and history become intertwined into the child's overall learning experience. Drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration and printmaking are all areas explored. Through experimentation, field trips, written projects and presentation, each child is encouraged to find his/her voice within a visual arts context. Students’ art work is displayed prominently throughout public libraries in San Diego.

Physical Education

At MLC we believe Physical Education and fitness are important in a child’s development. Our sports program is geared to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. The children participate in the sports program on a daily basis. In addition, except in extremely inclement weather, all students play outside in the School’s playground every day. Our sport methodology is implemented in a non-competitive environment where children are individually challenged according to their readiness and experience. The program is structured to ensure learning and fun in a sports environment.

Yoga

Yoga helps children (and teachers!) focus, relax and be mentally alert.   Studies show that yoga is an effective self-help therapy for ADD/ADHD, Autism, and general health and well-being of all children.  At Montessori Learning Center, students take 5 - 10 minutes a day to do yoga with their teacher.  During this time our teachers and students play yoga games and songs, practice breath meditations, demonstrate relaxing visualizations, and fun, fun, fun yoga movements.

Zoology
 
 "Solicitous care for living things affords satisfaction to one of the most lively instincts of the child's mind. Nothing is better calculated than this to awaken an attitude of foresight."
—Dr. Maria Montessori, MD

At Montessori Learning Center, the attitude of respect for nature, plants and animals begins in the home and in the first years of life—spending as much time as is possible outside, in all seasons, experiencing animals in the natural world—listening to birds, collecting shells on the beach, reading about animals, learning to recognize and to name insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.  We have taken in consideration Dr. Maria Montssori's quote, and have incorporated Zoology into our unique curriculum.  Furthermore, we have purchased classroom pets so that the students recognize different characteristics of animals.

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Montessori Learning Center :: 1259 West Vaquero Court :: Chula Vista, CA 91910 :: P (619) 482-7771 :: D (858) 926-9895 :: E-mail jessicavelasquez_27@yahoo.com