The Early Childhood Program is for children, ages two to six. The environment for children of this age range places the children in a spacious, stimulating setting that meets each child’s cognitive stage of development. At this age, children are improving their concentration, fine and gross motor skills, social regard, and problem-solving abilities. Activities for this age range can be divided into specialized categories, which include the following.
- Language – Children will study Mandarin Chinese and English. Children begin by mastering the phonetics of the language (the individual sounds and words) before they learn the basic writing systems. GMIS emphasizes comprehension and oral fluency in teaching languages.
- Mathematics – Children focus on learning arithmetic through hands-on activities with the Montessori materials. This helps them grasp the fundamental concepts instead of just memorizing abstract formulae.
- Geography – Children study physical geography by studying globes and learn about different continents, countries, oceans, and land forms through puzzle maps. Children learn how to relate physical geography to political geography in order to increase cultural awareness.
- Science – Children are taught about the natural world around them. Children are naturally curious about their world already, and the Montessori approach fosters children’s respect and care for all living things.
- Arts and Crafts – Children will learn different art techniques. The process of creating art, rather than the finished product, is emphasized. Children also will study some art history, including some of the most famous artists from different time periods.
- Music and Movement – Children will be exposed to multicultural poetic songs in order to foster cultural respect and peace education. This encompasses singing, percussion and/or primal musical instruments, and music and rhythmic movement improvisation in celebration of the human condition and natural phenomenological appearances in nature.
- Afternoon Activities – While the above curriculum is typically followed throughout the day, we understand that some children may need an afternoon nap. Children under the age of four are allowed to nap after lunch. They may resume the schedule of classroom activities when they wake up.