Classroom The Montessori Classroom is especially designed for the children's comfort and stimulation. The children work together in harmony or independently with manipulative and sensorial materials. When finished, the child is responsible for returning the materials from where they came. With freedom he/she chooses other activities and develops self-confidence, discipline and mastery while learning. Within this special environment, materials and the proper guidance the children move at will, absorbing through their activities, respecting each other and contributing to a calm atmosphere. Children successfully work and achieve a higher level of education and concentration on his/her own natural abilities.

Program Highlights

Practical Life

The practical life area provides a link between the activities performed around the house and school. The classroom is equipped with child size materials such as brooms, cloths and gardening tools which are fun to use but also teach the children how to care for the environment around them.

The child learns development of social relations, such as greeting, serving, accepting, apologizing, thanking, grace and courtesies.

The child learns movement, such as balancing or walking in a straight line, and silence and listening games.

Although these skills may seem simple, it is very rewarding and meaningful for young children to master the practical skills they observe in adults. Children are able to see what they have accomplished and the tasks help them develop an ability for concentration, and appeal to a child's desire to imitate movement which leads to physical and emotional mastery of the skills.

The child will begin to verbalize at home and at school independent words, which the Montessori method encourages and fosters such as, "I can do it myself."

Sensorial Materials

The world is filled with senses; color, size, dimensions, shape, form, sound, touch, taste and smell. The Montessori materials enable a child to clarify, classify and comprehend their world. Concepts such as tall, short, rough, smooth, water, land etc. are taught. Children learn to explore their senses of the world around them using special materials.

Mathematics

Children have an ability to reason, calculate and to estimate. The materials used allow for mathematics to be demonstrated in a variety of forms such as abstract, manipulative, experimental and creative.

Rods, spindles, beads, cards, cubes, etc are some of the tools used. A child not only learns to count but can visually see these quantities. The math materials build upon one another increasing in complexity as the child progresses from one material to the next.

Language

The classroom emphasizes spoken and written language. The child hears and uses precise vocabulary for all activities which are performed in the classroom. The written language uses the alphabet, letter sounds (phonics), word composition, and story telling. Soon the child begins to say with enthusiasm, that they can read and write.

Art and Music

Art and music are viewed as a form of self-expression in the Montessori classroom. Singing, dancing, humming, or playing an instrument are activities encouraged throughout the classroom.

Outdoors

Children explore the outdoors and nature as part of their Montessori education. Children utilize leaves, rocks, flowers, plants, animals etc. They study cloud formations, build gardens, and learn to take care of the environment.

A trained and approved Montessori teacher staffs each classroom along with a teacher's assistant. Positive reinforcement and family support is a key to a successful, happy and healthy child.

Community Involvement