FAQ’s
The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative “materials for development” that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that the most important years of a child’s education are not the years of high school and college, but the first six years of life. As a result, Montessori schools regard infant and early childhood education as the very foundation of everything that follows. A child’s mind is absorbent, and his curiosity is at a peak during these early years. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child’s mind forms patterns of learning which serve him throughout his life. A Montessori school provides one of the most effective environments in which to guide a child through these critical years.
Children choose their work from among the self-correcting materials displayed on open shelves, and they work in specific work areas. The materials and exercises are designed to stimulate independent exploration. More experienced children share what they have learned while reinforcing their own learning. Because this peer group learning, there is often more conversation in the Montessori classroom than in conventional early education settings. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Montessori multi-age classrooms usually incorporate a three-year age span based on similarities in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Multi-age grouping helps children develop a sense of community and supports social development. Older children act as models and sometimes teachers of younger children. This aids development of personality, collaboration, and cooperation. There is less anxious competition because all children are not expected to have identical skills and perform equally. This leads to respect for the individuality of each person in the group and recognition that each child has unique strengths and contributions to offer the group. Comparisons are not made, and cooperation is encouraged, thus accommodating the uneven development, which is especially evident in the birth to eight-age range.
Each Montessori class operates on the principle of “freedom within limits”. Every program has its set of ground rules based on core Montessori beliefs – respect for each other and for the environment. Children work at their own pace with materials they choose, either alone or with others. The teacher guides the child toward new activities and materials when he or she thinks the child is ready. The goal is to encourage active, self-directed learning that aims at mastering tasks. The multi-age grouping in each class provides a family-like grouping where learning can take place naturally.
Yes, we provide after school care from Phelan and Hutchison Elementary School.
