Practical Foundations

At Les Lilas, the French Cycle 1 curriculum defines what children learn, while Montessori pedagogy and materials enrich how they learn. Our teachers actively lead structured lessons and guide children through hands-on experiences that develop independence, concentration, coordination, and responsibility.Children practice everyday skills such as pouring, washing, buttoning, preparing snacks, and caring for their classroom. Through carefully selected Montessori materials, including the Pink Tower, Color Tablets, and Sound Cylinders, they refine their senses, strengthen motor skills, and develop confidence through repetition and discovery. These purposeful activities complement the French Maternelle curriculum, laying essential foundations for reading, writing, mathematics, and scientific exploration. By combining intentional teaching with independent practice, children develop practical skills, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility toward themselves and others—embracing the French tradition of le vivre-ensemble.