What is the Montessori Method?
The Montessori Method is named after its founder, Dr. Maria Montessori. It is an approach to education which emphasizes the potential of the child from birth through adolescence and attempts to develop this potential by means of prepared environments of uniquely designed learning materials under the direction of trained Montessori teachers. Maria Montessori felt that the goal of early education should be the cultivation of the child's own natural desire to learn. It is a psychologically rooted method that takes the developmental needs of the child as the basis and foundation for learning.
How are the classes structured?
Medina Children's House is a Montessori Preschool educating 3 to 6 year old children. A morning and afternoon class is held 5 days a week following the public school calendar.
How does the classroom work?
The classroom is a scientifically designed environment, which includes developmental learning materials and activities that are sequential and meant to be experienced over a three year cycle and not in individual successive one year capsules. The classrooms are child centered compared to adult centered classrooms in the traditional setting. A trained certified director or directress is an integral component of a well functioning prepared environment. Children are allowed the freedom of choice, of movement and learn respect for self and for others, which all aids in the process of self-construction. Multi-aged Montessori classrooms offer an inherent motivator for the children to constantly challenge themselves. Younger children have models for emulation and older children have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by helping the younger ones while developing confidence, independence and leadership. Each child has the opportunity to experience being the youngest, middle, and oldest member of the group. Children are allowed to progress at their own pace and level of understanding. A child’s progress is measured against his or her own ability not that of others. The Montessori classroom is able to adapt to the individual needs of each child and offers diversity, stimulation and the opportunity to develop the person within the child.
Are Montessori schools religious?
The Montessori philosophy itself is not religiously oriented. The celebration of holidays and traditions is treated as another learning experience in the classroom with the sharing of songs, from cultures around the world. Children prepare special meals and/or snacks to celebrate holidays.
How will my child adjust to a traditional school after attending a Montessori school?
Studies show that generally Montessori children adjust well and are often among the better students. They spend their time more productively, are self-directed with a positive attitude towards learning, and are able to socialize effectively because of the benefit of the multi-age aspect of the classrooms and respect that has been cultivated for self and others.
Is the child free to do as he/she pleases?
Although a child is free to work at his/her own pace with materials he/she has chosen, either alone or with others, we should not be confused that this means the child does as he/she pleases. There are clear limits to be adhered to. Each classroom has basic ground rules which are based on respect for each other and for the environment.
If my child is left to choose his/her own projects, won’t he do the same thing day in and day out, or do nothing at all?
The Medina Children's House staff is trained to observe children as they work. When a child has mastered a skill, the Directress will give the child the next lesson that is more challenging, giving attention to the age and interest of each child. The prepared environment offers many stimulating choices for the child and it is seldom that they “do nothing”.
Are lunches and snacks provided by the school?
Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon class. Kindergardners who staying over for extended day activities are responsible for bringing a lunch to school.
Why is a 5-day school week necessary for the younger Montessori child?
The Montessori classroom experience is structured around five consecutive days to allow the spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. A child taken in and out of school every other day does not have the same opportunity to pursue her/his unfolding interests. Consistency develops the social and working community of the class.
What does the teacher do?
The function of the teacher in a Montessori classroom differs considerably from that of the traditional teacher; rather than instructing or teaching the children the Director or Directress guides the children’s interest. The directress prepares the environment, guides the child’s interest to an activity and offers each child enticement and stimulation to ensure that the children’s total development as well as their progress toward self-discipline occurs.
What is the Montessori Curriculum?
The Montessori Curriculum at all levels is developed around the developmental needs of the child and is presented in the form of lessons as the child shows interest and readiness. The Toddler and Primary activities are geared towards facilitating independence, language acquisition, movement, exploration of the senses and nurturing the absorbent mind.