Westside Montessori Academy Vancouver | Co-Curricular-old

What is Co-Curricular?
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Preschool Activities
Kindergarten & Elementary Activities

- Yoga
  Once week the children have a 20 minute Yoga Lesson in small groups. This is a fun, creative and non-competitive introduction to some simple Yoga poses and calming breathing exercises. Through Yoga the children improve learning skills and concentration, maintain flexibility, improve coordination and muscular strength and enhance their creativity.
- Fine Arts
  Art is an important part of the WMA curriculum. Through art, our students learn about self-expression, imagination, and creativity. Though visual arts, drama, and music are experienced on a day-to-day basis throughout the school year, each term we focus on a specific fine art and have a specialist instructor visit weekly to enrich the experience for the children.
- Italian
  Our weekly-dedicated Italian program is taught in small group according to age and/or ability. The program covers basic Italian vocabulary: colors, numbers, seasons, holidays, genders and family members. There are many songs, finger plays, stories and some simple conversation and crafts.
- Physical Education
  Students take part in twice weekly Physical Education classes. These are made up of a combination of sports, games, individual and dual activities, as well as, learning about the importance of active living. In addition to Physical Education classes, students take part in regular Yoga classes as well as Table Tennis lessons with a BCTTA certified coach.
- Theatre Arts & Music
  The music and movement program at WMA emphasizes self-expression and imagination. The children are guided to interpret a variety of songs, poems, rhymes and works of famous composers through dance, movement, percussion instruments and games. The parts and instruments of the Orchestra are also introduced, along with a variety of music, rhythms, songs and games.
- Italian
  WMA teaches Italian as its second language. Through the use of songs and games, a specialist teacher visits several times a week to teach the students Italian.
  
  Since WMA is located at the Italian Cultural Centre, our students also have the opportunity to visit the on-site Italian Library and Museum. We also participate and perform in many of the Italian celebrations and festivities.
- Current Affairs
  When something special is happening in our neighbourhood, city, province, country or in the world, we try to give the children information about that event. For example: during a recent election we created our own polling station, pictures of the candidates and talked about what those candidates wanted to do for our country. The children all had a vote and we posted the election results!
- Practical Life
  Practical Life is one of the most important parts of the preschool curriculum. It retains its importance in the elementary years and helps students develop gross and fine motor skills. WMA students take part in weekly pizza making, planning and growing produce on our large balcony and learning to sew small projects.
- Celebrations
  Each holiday is celebrated in a non-denominational way. For example:
  
  Thanksgiving: the children shuck corn, peel and slice apples and come together for a group celebration of sharing food. We also collect items for the food bank. A Thanksgiving inspired craft is made.
  
  Remembrance Day: The children make poppies and we talk about remembering those who have helped our country remain free.
  
  Christmas and Hannukah: We prepare several holiday inspired crafts. The children make a gift for their parents and a card. We also make and sell something for our Charity Project. Each year we give all proceeds to Project Parent to help single parent families at this time of year. The end of term is celebrated with a Holiday concert where the children sing songs in English and Italian. A short play is also performed. Parents are invited to attend and are served by their children with a specially prepared snack and gift.
- Community Service
  A significant part of the elementary Montessori experience is community service. Students are encouraged to look beyond their own needs to those of the greater community. WMA is lucky to be located next door to a senior’s residence called Villa Carital. Our students visit with the seniors once a week and participate in a variety of activities and projects. This month, they are learning how to knit tuques!
  
  Every year at Christmas, WMA students also help to fundraise for Project Parent. They make a product to sell and donate the money raised to a good cause. This year, the students have designed their own Christmas cards.