Grounded in Culture: IQ and Montessori in Early Childhood Education

Presented by Leah Kippomee and Julie Pewatualuk

For over a decade, Pirurvik has demonstrated leadership in culturally relevant early childhood education, grounding our curriculum in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) and Montessori methods. This session covers the nine IQ Principles alongside Montessori methods, showing how this approach to education offers children a culturally grounded, self-paced path to learning. Leah Kippomee and Julie Pewatualuk will highlight how these principles have proven essential for their young students, increasing Inuktitut language, literacy, cultural identity and learning outcomes. They will demonstrate how IQ and Montessori is introduced in the classroom, using hands-on materials and a simple three-step method to introduce a new skill. Educators will leave with real examples, resource links, and a simple method to apply in their own classroom

• Our website: https://pirurvikpreschool.org/ contains numerous resources for educators, parents and administrators.
• Resources: https://pirurvikpreschool.org/resources
• A short documentary can be found on our homepage: https://pirurvikpreschool.org/home
• A longer documentary and articles via our media page: https://pirurvikpreschool.org/media

A few example of our demonstration videos:

• Sandpaper Syllabics (view) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4pd5krefxpdo2fi2576z4/Sandpaper_Syllabics.mp4?rlkey=ozinkwvzsyz6ffm276581adkm&st=xgien6va&dl=0
• Qamituq tying: (view) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ps6kq1hdfkirpvqojccxz/Qamutiik_Tying.mp4?rlkey=dn4w8dkzrnx32ljiucdq4nmi5&st=v7t87jx2&dl=0

Pirurvik Preschool also offers professional development opportunities for educators who wish to bring this approach to their communities. Our training program is facilitated by experienced Pirurvik staff who share their knowledge, practical insights, and lived experiences with early childhood educators across Nunavut. Through collaborative learning, educators discover ways to enhance their own programs with culturally-grounded approaches that respect both Inuit traditions and each child’s unique learning journey. 

To learn more about our training program for educators and communities interested in implementing our approach contact us: https://pirurvikpreschool.org/contact