Spanish/Arabic

Dr. Montessori identified the period from 0-6 years as the critical period for acquiring language.
Consistent with her philosophy, children at EM participate in a foreign language program, either Spanish or Arabic. Even the youngest children are introduced to another language through fun and interactive games and activities. Lessons are focused on recognizing the shapes and sounds of letters and numbers in that language. The foreign language curriculum includes games, literature and an exploration of customs and celebrations. Classes are designed to introduce basic vocabulary and culture by immersing the student in that language. Children learn while listening to music, playing a variety of traditional Montessori games, as well as engaging in movement and dance activities, videos, and practical conversation.

Music & Movement

Music instruction cultivates a love and understanding of music and creative movement. The music curriculum invites children to express and invent themselves through dance, movement and song. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of music through activities that help explain pitch, rhythm, and the dynamics of sound. This, accompanied with an introduction to classical music and an appreciation for world instruments, promote both creative musical thinking and cultural awareness. Movement activities allow the children to explore the physical abilities. Movement lessons within strive to enhance each child's physical growth and development. Children work to develop useful practical skills such as eye-hand coordination, eye-foot coordination, balance, strength and agility.

Art

The art program compliments the Montessori philosophy encouraging children to express themselves through various materials. Art theory and technique is introduced to the students through means of exploration and discovery, building a foundation for artistic expression and aesthetic awareness. Special cultural studies throughout the year expand the children's knowledge of not only traditional art forms from around the world, but the history of Art as a whole. Art provides children with a natural way to communicate thoughts, feelings and ideas as well as a way to develop an understanding and appreciation of the artistic process.

Drama

Drama at the EM consists of connecting our students with the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of storytelling. Students are encouraged to express their own imaginations by creating their stories, written down by the instructor, and prompted only by the question, “And then what happened?” These stories are then translated into activities relating to actual theatrical productions. Children learn to create shadow puppets, design a set, and build a theater to tell their tales. Throughout all drama activities, children learn actual dramatic and storytelling terms. By the end of the year, students have experienced how their own thoughts and ideas can be brought to life in new and fantastic ways.