Early Primary (3-5 years)

West-Mont uses the forest theme to name the classrooms. The Early Primary classes are for children from ages 3 to 5. West-mont has three classes:

 

Douglas Fir - 20 students, 2 teachers and 1 Educational Assistant
Arbutus - 25 students and 3 Teachers
Dogwood - 18 students and 2 Teachers

 

Fully Qualified Teachers

 

All our Early Primary staff members are either fully qualified teachers, accredited by the BC College of Teachers or Registered Early Childhood Educators in the Province of BC. All have the special Montessori training in the art of teaching young children.

 

The Montessori approach to early childhood education

 

The Montessori Approach is designed to give the child the chance to develop individually as they grow from childhood to maturity. Children enter the world gifted by nature. With the adult's help in preparing an environment conducive to the child's development, the child can carry out the important task of constructing his personality.

 

Based on careful, systematic observation of children and their needs and interests at each level of development, the Montessori approach to early childhood education recognizes the tremendous developmental achievements of each child. This natural development of the child which is inherent in all children is fostered in our school. The teachers prepare a beautiful and orderly environment, present a variety of purposeful activities to the child, use refined observation skills to recognize the child's interest and needs, and provide developmentally correct work. The teachers work to allow flexibility to adapt to the needs of each individual, taking into consideration the level of ability, learning style or social maturity. (For more information on Montessori Education and teacher training, please see: http://www.montessori.edu/info.html )

 

During their years in the Early Primary program our students are introduced to geography, botany, zoology, world culture, geometry and various art media. They progress through the Montessori reading materials at their own pace and also practice penmanship and journal writing. They work with the Montessori Math materials to gain a strong understanding of the numbers 0-10. From there, they may work with the teens and numbers to 100 and the decimal system. At this point, their social skills have matured, and they have developed a clear love of learning and concentration.

 

All our classes are multi-grade designed to allow for both individual and social development. The more experienced children share what they have learned with those new to the group. Each child's unique personality is encouraged; each child is respected as an important member of a community.