Specialty Program
The work of our Specialists is a vibrant component of our school programs. Led by a cadre of experts in their individual fields, our Specialists are passionate about the importance of learning as a lifetime habit of curiosity, observation, and thought.
Art Appreciation
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. Students examine the role of art in our history and study individual artists as well as styles. In the Art area a selection of basic art materials such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint and easel, scissors, paper, and glue are always available for free exploration and self-expression. A lesson is given on proper use of the materials, but then allowing each child to use his or her own creativity and imagination.
Music and Movement
We thoroughly enjoy sharing music with students, and all students have Music class! Children enjoy singing songs, playing rhythm instruments, and creative movement. Through music, children are actively engaged with their senses. The Huntington Montessori School music program is devoted to instilling a joyful sense of music in every child. It accomplishes this through a process which emphasizes creativity as well as musical literacy.
The goal of Montessori education is to develop to the fullest the three aspects of the child’s nature; body, mind, and spirit. Learning music happily involves all three of these dimensions and can, therefore, be a highly integrating force in the development of the child’s personality. Music-making involves a physical activity (moving, singing, playing), produced by mental direction (matching a pitch or rhythmic pattern), to convey a sentiment or idea (a manifestation of the spirit).
In a Montessori classroom, a child begins with walking on a line and progressing to other natural expressions of movement, such as running, skipping and galloping, the child begins to associate certain rhythmic figures with bodily movements. Also, through the use of echoes, both verbal and rhythmic (clapping, tapping knees, snapping), children acquire a vocabulary of simple rhythms.
Chess
Introduction to chess. Learn techniques, moves, names and position of pieces. Students learn basic, intermediate and advanced chess skills. Introducing your child to success with chess enhances reasoning, logic and math skills. Also, learning mutual respect and good sportsmanship can improve a student’s skills across a wide range of activities.
There should be music in the child's environment, just as there does exist in the child's environment spoken speech. In the social environment the child should be considered and music should be provided.
- MARIA MONTESSORI
Spanish
Dr. Montessori identified the period from 0-6 years as the critical period for acquiring language. Consistent with her philosophy, children at Huntington Montessori School
participate in Spanish language instruction. Even the youngest children are introduced to the Spanish language through fun and interactive games and activities. Lessons focus on Spanish culture.
Spanish classes are designed to introduce basic vocabulary and a cultural approach to the Spanish speaking world. Children learn Spanish while having fun by listening to music, playing a variety of traditional Montessori games, as well as engaging in movement and dance activities, and practical conversation.