The early years of a child’s life are a time of immense growth and discovery. At Ekya Early Years, one of the leading Montessori schools in Bangalore, the Montessori program is thoughtfully designed to nurture this growth, offering a structured yet flexible learning environment for children aged 2.5 to 6 years. Divided into three stages—Beginners, Sub-Juniors, and Juniors—the program focuses on fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning. Let’s explore what each stage entails and how it contributes to a child’s development.
Montessori Beginners Program (Ages 2.5–3 Years): Building Foundations
The Beginners Program at Ekya Early Years introduces young children to the foundational principles of the Montessori Method. Designed for children aged 2.5 to 3 years, this program focuses on developing independence, sensory exploration, and foundational skills in a nurturing and prepared environment.
Key Components:
- Practical Life Skills: Children learn self-care, social skills, and care for the environment through activities like pouring, buttoning, and sweeping. These exercises help develop fine motor skills, concentration, and respect for their surroundings.
- Sensorial Exploration: Through materials that teach colours, shapes, and textures, children refine their senses and develop perceptual skills.
- Language Development: Activities like sandpaper letters, object boxes, and picture cards build vocabulary, phonetic awareness, and early reading skills.
- Numeracy: Hands-on materials like number rods and spindle boxes introduce foundational math concepts such as counting and patterns.
- Arts and Creativity: Drawing, painting, and collage-making activities encourage self-expression and fine motor development.
By the end of the Beginners Program, children develop independence, self-confidence, and a love for learning, preparing them for the next stage—the Sub-Junior Program.
Montessori Sub-Junior Program (Ages 3–4 Years): Expanding Horizons
Building on the foundation laid in the Beginners Program, the Sub-Junior Program at Ekya Early Years is designed for children aged 3 to 4 years. This stage introduces more advanced concepts while continuing to foster independence and self-confidence.
Key Components:
- Advanced Practical Life Skills: Children engage in more complex activities like food preparation and gardening, promoting responsibility and independence.
- Sensorial Exploration: Materials like the binomial and trinomial cubes further refine perceptual skills.
- Language Development: Children trace sandpaper letters, play sound games, and begin recognising and writing their names, laying the foundation for early reading and communication.
- Numeracy: Hands-on activities with number rods and spindle boxes help children develop a strong number sense and mathematical thinking.
- Cultural Studies: Children explore geography, botany, and zoology, fostering curiosity about the world around them.
The Sub-Junior Program prepares children for the Junior Program by reinforcing foundational skills and introducing more advanced concepts in a supportive environment.
Montessori Junior Program (Ages 4–5 Years): Preparing for the Future
The Junior Program at Ekya Early Years is designed for children aged 4 to 5 years. This stage focuses on reinforcing foundational skills, introducing advanced concepts, and fostering critical thinking through the unique Quest Program.
Key Components:
- Practical Life Skills: Children continue to develop independence through activities like food preparation and care of the environment.
- Language Development: Children engage in reading, writing, and storytelling, building fluency and creative expression.
- Numeracy: Advanced materials like the golden beads and stamp game introduce concepts like addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Quest Program: This in-house inquiry program allows children to explore science and social science topics through hands-on activities, experiments, and field trips.
- Arts and Creativity: Children explore advanced visual and performing arts, learning about famous artists and creating their own performances.
By the end of the Junior Program, children are well-prepared for the Senior Program, armed with strong foundational skills, critical thinking abilities, and a love for learning.
Why Choose Ekya Early Years?
As one of the top pre-schools in Bangalore, Ekya Early Years stands out for its child-centred approach and commitment to holistic development. The Montessori programs are designed to nurture each child’s unique potential, fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.
With a focus on continuous assessment and collaboration with families, Ekya ensures that every child receives the support they need to thrive. The seamless transition between programs ensures that children are always challenged and engaged, preparing them for future academic success.
The Ekya Montessori Program is more than just an educational curriculum—it’s a journey of discovery and growth. From the Beginners Program, where children take their first steps toward independence, to the Junior Program, where they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, each stage is designed to nurture young minds and prepare them for the future.
If you’re looking for a Montessori school in Bangalore that combines the best of Montessori principles with a modern, child-centred approach, Ekya Early Years is the perfect choice.