PROGRAM
At Les Lilas, we offer a bilingual French-English immersion program that incorporates the Montessori method. In each class, there are two educators—one French-speaking and one English-speaking, and both trained and qualified in the Montessori pedagogy. We also believe in the Montessori method of mixed-age classrooms. The coexistence of different age groups in the same environment strengthens a child’s social sense, self-confidence, and the pleasure of giving and receiving help. Our unique program helps children build a strong academic foundation, while also allowing them to discover or deepen their use and knowledge of a second language.
“The biggest become heroes and leaders, and younger ones are their admirers: they look to their elders for inspiration, and work towards their goals.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori defined education as an aid to life—“a great social mission that will ensure the child justice, harmony and love.” Such a mission requires “the work of education.”
At Les Lilas, we use the following Montessori learning areas:
PRACTICAL LIFE
The Practical Life area promotes the development of gross and fine motor skills, concentration, and independence. It also encourages respect for others and the environment. Practical Life is the base of all Montessori avenues.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is developed with the use of concrete learning materials. This material allows the introduction of more complex abstractions (numbering, function of operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication…).
SENSORIAL
In the Sensorial area, children work on developing their keen sense of observation as well as their physical senses, including taste, hearing, sight, touch, and smell. According to Maria Montessori, sensory awareness helps us better appreciate the world around us.
LANGUAGE
Language is based on phonetic awareness. Children work through specific hands-on and tactile language materials. Language is not an isolated topic but runs through the curriculum. The spoken language is the foundation for writing and then reading.