Montessori Method
Applicable to all age levels, the Montessori Method is used at Inventive Minds for its sensory approach in learning. Focusing on letter and cognitive development, we use this method to enhance a child’s natural curiosity to learn and their love of gaining new knowledge and skills.
The sensorial materials we utilize in the classroom are a representation of various colours, shapes, textures and sizes. First, they help the child refine their senses. Second, they are the classification of sensorial experiences and impressions. And third, they introduce the material world to the child so that they may adapt themselves and learn using their own knowledge freely.
Language is an instrument of collective thought. Preliminary language exercises teach the child to listen carefully to all that is being said. Not just the words, but the sounds that make them up. The child learns to listen to the "whole" word.
The child is prepared for mathematics with the aid of practical life, sensorial and language materials. The child is continually learning about the logical sequence of events, coordination, concentration and the precision with which they are carried out. Through exploration the child can work freely with the materials and learn from their experiences.
Early Learning Frame Work (ELECT)
Through ELECT we cultivate an environment that fosters and promotes a sense of belonging, well-being, engagement and expression for our children. Children are viewed as being competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. Our professional staff are viewed as competent and capable, curious and rich in experience, as they foster communication and expression in all forms. This allows for us to ensure the holistic development of each child.
We provide child-initiated and adult-supported experiences, where the classroom environment is viewed and used as a child’s laboratory of research and discovery. By introducing cognitive, physical, social and emotional developmental experiences that are challenging and stimulating to each child’s individual, natural curiosity and desire to learn, we lay the foundation for success—both in school and in life’s challenges. We endeavor to equip children with developmental experiences that enrich their lives in meaningful and lasting ways through play, exploration and observation. We engage our children in active, creative and meaningful exploration, play and inquiry. And we provide our staff with knowledge of development and when and how to interact with the child through developmentally-appropriate educational practice at their own pace. This means that the materials and interactions are stage-appropriate, safe, interesting and challenging, yet achievable for the children. Our professional staff have been trained to be flexible to ensure an inclusive, supportive and non-discriminatory environment.
Core Knowledge
Used with children inPreschool, and Junior and Senior Kindergarten, Core Knowledge is a teaching method that emphasizes planned educational curriculum, language development, creativity, group work, sharing and personal responsibility. It sets high expectations for all children, and integrates the teaching of skills and conceptual knowledge in a logical, step-by-step manner.