ACTIVITIES

Children carry out a number of different activities at Montessori House Brussels, many of which you will find described here.

The development of co-ordination, first of gross motor skills and then fine motor skills, is an important aspect of being able to perform music. The whole body is used to interpret musical rhythms. The child’s listening skills develop and they can identify freely with the music they hear. An integral part of the school’s daily activities is to sing songs.

Children from 4 years onwards have the possibility to take private piano lessons. These lessons take place during school hours, but are not included in the tuition fee (€20 per lesson).

Physical education plays an important part in our activities at Montessori House Brussels. Our gym teacher creates a safe, playful environment where the children develop their gross and fine motor skills. He trains the children to use their whole body while running, hopping, jumping, climbing, catching, rolling to increase their co-ordination skills.

Children participate in physical education exercises every week for 30 minutes. Children have to take off their slippers and socks to have a good grip while performing their exercises. Weather permitting, sessions also take place in the garden, where they wear their outdoor shoes and coats.

Swimming lessons take place at Castle Club in Wezembeek-Oppem, and are for those children who are 4 years and older. A private bus takes the children to the pool (wearing two-point seat belts is obligatory). We encourage the children to dress and undress independently.

The pool requires close-fitting swimwear. Our swimming instructors show the children how to move freely in the water, and encourage them to put their head under water and to jump from the side. At a later stage, children receive more specific instructions on how to swim (on their front and on their back).

During the first and second term both classes focus on a particular topic. These topics may vary from the study of a continent, to a specific country, and to Ancient Rome, the Egyptians, the Solar System, dinosaurs, the colour spectrum, or the life cycle of an animal. These topics guide us in our choice for our excursions – a theatre performance, a museum or other local events.

Twice a year the children venture out on autumn and spring walks to the Woluwe Park nearby. Parents accompany the teachers as the children explore the forest and enjoy a picnic in the sun (spring walk).

When the summer holidays begin, the school offers a Summer Stage programme (see School Calendar). This is a voluntary, non-academic programme for those who wish to send their children and is subject to an additional payment. The summer stage starts at 08:45 while the end times are optional: 12:00, 15:00 or 17:00. The children participate in arts and craft, cooking, gym and music. A visit to a local event might be part of this special programme. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 20 children and the fees are calculated per day. The school provides lunch through the school caterer and the lunch is included in the fee.