What is Montessori?
This learning method allows children to interact with their environment through their senses and build understanding of complex paradigms. The Montessori environment is simple, spacious, tidy and plea- sing in appearance. Children work with concrete materials which provide them with the keys to explore the world and develop cognitive abilities. In the Montessori setting, the adult guides and stimulates this inborn creative ability and helps the child navigate their learning process.
The curriculum was developed by Maria Montessori who was an Italian physician and scientist who devoted 60 years of her life to studying children. A scholar of biology, psychiatry, anthropology, and medicine, she graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Rome in 1896. She studied children of all races and cultures in many countries around the world, soon seeing the universality of the laws of human development. She continued her observations throughout her life, widening and deepening her understanding until her death in 1952. Also a devoted humanitarian, she was three-times nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy efforts toward a more peaceful humanity.
The Montessori Difference
When it comes to choosing a path for your child’s education there are lots of choices. Why do so many families choose Montessori? Read on to find out what makes this model unique.
Montessori Fosters Independence
In our school, all children learn that their independence is valued. We encourage free movement, individual choice within carefully crafted limits, and make sure they know their voices are heard. As children get older, they begin to learn about time management and accountability. We teach them practical life skills, such as cleaning and preparing food, that can be used in the classroom, home, and beyond. This emphasis on independence gives children a tremendous sense of empowerment.
We Follow the Child
We recognise that every child who enters the school is uniquely different in their interests and abilities. Our programs are designed to facilitate the child’s natural learning and developmental processes. This begins by training our teachers in the specific developmental stages of the children they work with. By honoring where children are in their growth, we can create educational environments that perfectly suit their needs. We know that learning is not always linear, and that each individual child will need different challenges and supports throughout their time at our school. In addition, Montessori students have plenty of opportunities to deeply study areas of personal interest.
Beautiful Classrooms inspire Beautiful Work
Upon stepping into a Montessori classroom, one immediately sees the difference in our environments. The Montessori environment is simple, spacious, tidy and plea- sing in appearance. We value natural materials and prefer natural lighting. Living things (both plants and animals) are present, as are low shelves that allow children to easily access their work. There are areas for children to work in a group or alone, and on the floor or in a chair. Materials are of high quality, inspiring the children who use them to make their work beautiful.
We Value Kindness and Peace
Our students are global citizens. World geography is taught beginning at a young age and children learn about traditions from a wide range of cultures. We take the time to teach good manners and skills like conflict resolution, and support children through social dynamics as they arise. We believe that peace and kindness a foundation that is necessary for the progress of humanity.
We Value Formative Assessment
Assessment is derived from a Latin word meaning “to sit beside.” Teachers sit beside children while they work, gathering data as they go. The three-period lesson, a Montessori hallmark, is specifically designed to measure understanding and mastery during teaching. Teachers also observe students and take notes, allowing them to target areas in which students may need more challenge or support. Utilizing formative assessments each day allows teaching and learning to be adjusted in the moment, so each child is getting exactly what they need.
Rather than just preparing your child for the next step in school, we seek to support his or her academic, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.
As a result, our programs prepare your child to:
- Know how to regulate their behavior
- Control their impulses
- Learn to be flexible and course-correct when necessary
- Learn to take initiative
- Develop responsibility
- Engage in depth-based thinking requiring long periods of concentration
- Work collaboratively with peers on projects
- Learn to plan and strategize
- Hone the ability to problem solve
Our students realize their full potential within a nurturing environment that allows them to thrive emotionally, develop creatively, achieved alongside a solid academic foundation in Language, Mathematics, Geography and Science.
Still interested? If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.
If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence. It must initiate them into those kinds of activities, which they can perform themselves. We must help them to learn how to walk without assistance, to run, to go up and down the stairs, to pick up fallen objects, to dress and undress, to wash themselves, to express their needs, and to attempt to satisfy their desires through their own efforts. All this is part of an education for independence.
