Southern NH Montessori Academy
Enrichment“The role of education is to interest the child profoundly in an external activity to which he will give all his potential.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
Extending beyond the traditional elements of the Montessori classroom, at SNHMA we offer our students a wide range of enrichment activities which give students a broader and well-rounded experience, allowing them to discover a variety of interests.
Creative Arts (Visual & Performing)
Rather than art class only once a week, art and creativity is woven throughout the curriculum. They are modes of exploring and expanding lessons that are introduced in science, history, geography, language arts, and mathematics. Art and music history and appreciation are integrated throughout the history and geography curricula. Students participate in singing and dancing with teachers and music specialists. Students’ dramatic productions make other times and cultures come alive.
Foreign Language/Spanish
The primary goal in a foreign language program is to introduce foreign languages at an early age, to begin to develop conversation skills, vocabulary, and the ability to understand basic written information in the second language. It also fosters an appreciation for the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. Foreign language is taught through an optimal mix of innovative and proven teaching methods. Oral instruction is given and the children respond followed by reading and writing of the language. Exploration of the country involves cooking, art activities, and games.
STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics)
Our STEM education is actively woven into our programs in many ways. We provide an academically rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment which allows students to be innovative, and provides hand-on learning and problem solving. Students learn the core rules of math and science through the discovery of natural laws. They learn this by working with materials that help teach them and working on problem solving with classmates. The work engages the senses and ensures they will understand the concepts, not just memorize them.
By nature, Montessori education shares many of the hallmarks of STEM education including: question-based and hands-on learning, critical thinking, open-ended exploration and applying self-initiative. By encouraging students to be independent, curious, and innovative, Montessori classrooms are a natural place for STEM activities to occur. With careful planning, Montessori materials fully engage a student’s senses. The curriculum also reinforces that everything is related, showing the connection of topics across the five primary Montessori Learning areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Practical Life, Sensorial, and Geography/Culture.
Health, Wellness and Physical Education
The intention of health and fitness education is to help children understand and appreciate how our bodies work and to care for their healthy human body. The physical education curriculum provides students with an opportunity to explore and enjoy learning fundamental movement skills and concepts. Students will be able to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively through group activities that will incorporate classroom social skills.