Our enriched afternoon program complements the goals of our morning program by providing a variety of co-curricular activities for the children to enjoy. These activities are directly linked to your child’s learning in the Montessori classroom, and allow all of those skills that have been previously introduced in isolation to be implemented and practiced in an authentic and social setting. It is in these afternoon activities that the children learn to pace themselves according to a group rhythm.
Our afternoon program offers a wide and alternating variety of activities that will allow your child to explore new skills and find new passions. The array of activities – offered by specialists both visiting and in-house – focuses on the development of the whole child, with a focus on igniting a sense of balance, perspective, wonder, discovery and imagination.
Click below to discover just some of the learning experiences your child will engage in.
Body
Movers and Shakers
This active class focuses on the children’s general gross motor skills while encouraging them to become aware of their body by isolating specific body movements. Our aspiring dancers learn dance moves such as the slide step, the shoulder pop and the spin, as well as basic dance routines that provide a great foundation for later choreography.
Footloose
In this dynamic class, children explore dancing to a variety of music genres. They build a repertoire of dance moves and learn about traditional dances from around the world. Following the movements of the teacher, our young dancers gradually put a series of moves together and collaboratively build short choreographies which they will proudly perform to parents and guests.
Taekwondo Tykes
Hosted by Master Benjamin, this taekwondo program works on the children’s physical fitness, mental discipline, concentration, respect and self-confidence. The program aims to build a solid foundation in martial skills and is a great introduction to any future martial arts program.
Tsuyosa Karate™
Tsuyosa Karate’s Sensei Meghan brings her knowledge and wisdom to teach our little ninjas the basic principles and techniques of martial arts, as well as the art of meditation. This karate class boosts self-confidence, develops respect, builds mental discipline and promotes leadership skills.
Generation Fitness™
This activity is offered by a specialist from Generation FitnessTM who creates challenging obstacle courses for the children to explore different areas of gymnastics such as tumbling, balancing, jumping and rolling. Through such exercise, the children improve overall balance, coordination, strength and patience. What a great way to wake up and be reinvigorated after a restful afternoon nap!
Kidnasium™
Kidnasium™ queen Kim Snabl brings her expertise to Orchard House! This gym program, complete with Kidnasium gym equipment and music, targets the children’s strength, flexibility, balance and rhythm. Each class includes a dance, cardio and stretch routine, helping to develop both motor skills and muscle tone.
Little Bouncers
In this preparation to gymnastics class, our Little Bouncers practice a variety of floor mat exercises such as tumbling, balancing, jumping and rolling. They are encouraged to follow obstacle courses, work on specific gymnastic skills, and follow rhythmic pieces. Each class promotes gross motor skills and provides the children with the necessary tools to strengthen their movement and flexibility.
Preschool Parkour
Our young “traceurs” embark on agility training in a class that incorporates conditioning skills into games and creative physical activities. The children are encouraged to use strategy, skill and speed while jumping, climbing, rolling and running to get from one point of an obstacle course to another.
Little Leagues
Our preschoolers practice throwing, catching, kicking and dunking a variety of small, large, soft and even beach balls! This activity incorporates props such as parachutes, bowling pins and baskets to support these general gross motor skills.
Multi Sports
Children participate in a variety of athletic games which take place both indoors and outdoors. They are encouraged, in the process, to demonstrate sportsmanship and an interest in helping their own team! Through guided activities, children develop large muscles (running), lower body strengthening (kicking, hopping, skipping, jumping), and eye-hand coordination (catching and throwing).
Sportball™
SportballTM-certified coaches offer non-competitive sports instruction for children aged 2 to 5 years old. The children are introduced to 8 popular sports: soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis, golf & football using creative instruction and positive encouragement. The program focuses on the development of gross motor skills, balance, strength, co-ordination, stamina and timing. Equipment used is age-appropriate and is sized just right for our preschoolers!
