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Manchester Early Learning Center

About Us
Learning Philosophy
At MELC, Montessori learning looks a little different than a traditional lesson plan. Instead of every child
completing the same activity at the same time, children receive individual lessons based on their readiness
and developmental level. Throughout the classroom, children choose from a variety of carefully prepared
"works" that allow them to explore concepts independently and at their own pace.
Teachers provide one-on-one lessons, small group activities, songs, stories, games, and hands-on
experiences that reinforce learning across all curriculum areas. Each area of study is intentionally
connected to help children build an understanding of themselves, their community, and the wider world
around them.
Montessori education is designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. Children are encouraged to move, explore, ask questions, and discover new concepts at their own pace. Through carefully prepared lessons and hands-on materials, children make meaningful connections between their family, school, community, and the wider world around them.
Our Curriculum
Practical Life
Practical Life activities help children develop independence, concentration, coordination, and confidence. These tasks may seem simple, but they build important life skills and help children learn responsibility, order, and self-confidence.
Example activities
-Pushing in chairs-
-Sweeping spills-
-Wiping spills-
-Carrying Trays-
Language
Our language curriculum focuses on building strong foundations for reading and writing. We emphasize the sounds letters make to better support early reading development. Children learn to hear and identify sounds before they begin blending them into words. We prioritize recognition of lowercase letters because this accounts for a majority of the text that children read and write.
Example monthly Language focus
-letters g, q, o, and e-
-lowercase letter recognition-
-letter sounds rather than letter names-
-short vowel sounds-
Science
Each month we focus on a different scientific topic, often tying these themes and ideas to other lessons, such as Geography.
Example monthly Science focus
-learning the difference between Botany and Zoology-
-learning about plants and animals connected to this month's geography curriculum-
-make connections between living things and different parts of the world-
Geography
Our curriculum covers basic understandings of our planet, as well as learning about the different countries, cultures, animals, and ecosystems around the world.
Example monthly Geography focus
-the globe-
-land and water-
-continents-
-oceans-
Mathematics
We take a hands-on, concrete approach to math, allowing children to experience numbers before moving to abstract concepts. Children work with a variety of materials that help them see, touch, and understand mathematical concepts.
Example monthly Math focus
-counting objects-
-recognizing quantities-
-identifying symbols for numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7-
Grace and Courtesy
Our curriculum includes the important task of learning how to be part of a community. These lessons help children develop the social and emotional skills needed to build healthy relationships and become confident members of their community.
Example Skills
-using kind words-
-taking turns-
-respecting others-
-resolving conflicts peacefully-
-caring for shared materials and spaces-