The Montessori method is an educational method for children, based on theories of child development originated by Italian educator Maria Montessori in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is applied primarily in preschool and elementary school settings, though some Montessori high schools exist.
The method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activity on the part of the child and clinical observation on the part of the teacher (often called a "director", "directress", or "guide"). It stresses the importance of adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level, and of the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and practical skills.
Although there are many schools which use the name "Montessori," the word itself is not recognized as a trademark, nor is it associated with a single specific organization. Thus it is legally possible to use the term "Montessori" without necessary adherence to a particular training or teaching method. Nonetheless, schools identifying themselves as "Montessori schools" generally apply this method in their teaching.
History
Dr. Maria Montessori developed what became known as "The Montessori Method" as an outgrowth of her post-graduate research into the intellectual development of children with mental retardation. Building on the work of French physicians Jean Itard and Edouard Seguin, she attempted to build an environment for the scientific study of children with various sorts of physical and mental disabilities. Following successes in the treatment of these children, she began to research the application of her techniques to the education of children of average intelligence. By 1906, Dr. Montessori was sufficiently well-known that she was asked to run a day-care center in the run-down San Lorenzo district of Rome. She used the opportunity to observe the children's interactions with materials she developed, refining them as well as developing new materials with which the children could work. This materials-centered approach, in which the teacher primarily observes while the children select materials designed to impart specific concepts or skills, is a hallmark of Montessori education. Montessori's initial work was primarily with preschool-aged children. After observing developmental changes occurring in children who are just beginning elementary school, she and her son Mario began a new course of research into adapting her approach to elementary-aged children. Toward the end of her life, in her book From Childhood To Adolescence, Montessori sketched out a view of how her teaching methodology might be applied to the secondary and university levels.
Introduction to the methodology in practice
The Montessori Method is a teaching methodology developed in Italy by Dr. Maria Montessori. With the opening of her first school in 1907 in Rome, the term Montessori became associated with schools that use Dr. Montessori’s educational approach to children as well as her precise educational materials tailored for children’s developmental needs, and a number of schools around the world implement her approach to education for a wide range of ages. “From the moment the child enters the classroom, each step in his education is seen as a progressive building block, ultimately forming the whole person, in the emergence from childhood to adult. All focus is on the needs of the child.” [1] One distinguishing feature of Montessori at the preschool age is that children direct their own learning, choosing among the sections of a well-structured and stocked classroom including Practical Life (fine and gross motor skill development), Sensorial (sensory and brain development), Language, Math, Geography, Science and Art. The role of a teacher is to introduce children to materials and then remain a “silent presence”[2] in the classroom.
Montessori education aims to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Our educational program is designed to maximize each student's academic success. We strive to teach students how to build on their strengths and personal learning styles, and to learn from their mistakes. Students are taught skills that support independent and successful learning: Critical Thinking, Reflective Reading, Test-taking strategies, and Techniques for focusing attention.
Staff
Our teachers are educated in the Montessori philosophy and methodology appropriate to the age level they teach. Our teachers have the dedication and ability to put the key concepts into practice. They have the experience and professional credentials to successfully prescribe and monitor the best academic program for each child. Our small class size allows the staff to establish a close supportive relationship with every student. We have specialists for Music, Foreign Language, Art, and Physical Education.
Class Size
All classes are designed with low teacher to student ratios. We use trained teachers assistants to lower the student ratio, and insure that your child receives the individual attention he/she needs.
Educational Materials
We equip our classrooms with the latest materials available, using Montessori materials from Europe as well as traditional teaching aids. We use SRA reading materials to supplement the Montessori program.
Our Program
We offer a unique system of individual instruction. Ability rather than age alone determines the student's academic level. For example, a student could be reading at the 3rd grade level, be doing 2nd grade math, while in the 1st grade depending on his/her ability. We use the Montessori Method and supplement it in all areas with enrichment activities so that your child receives a well-balanced program. We stress basic skills: Math, Geography, History, Science, Music, and Art Appreciation. Children are taught from the beginning to use reading as a tool, to find out facts and communicate well.
Parent Education
The school sponsors various education and social activities throughout the year to help the parents understand our program, and to give opportunities for us to all become better acquainted.
Child Care
We provide before and after school care programs that are well planned and supervised. The costs for these programs are separate from your school tuition. Depending on your child's schedule we provide day care during most school holidays, (except for major holidays, please note yearly school calendar for dates) and vacation periods. We have a wonderful summer camp program for preschool through the third grade.
Enrichment Programs
We provide art, gymnastics, dance, golf, karate, Spanish and piano classes for those parents who are interested in having their children involved with extracurricular activities.
Study Habits
Our goal is to develop in your child a life long love of learning. Our program will help your child to establish a sense of order and the ability to organize his/her work and ideas. Concentration and self-discipline evolve from a quiet well-organized classroom.
Character Development
Character training is one of our most important jobs in our program. We strive to develop habits of orderliness, carefulness, obedience, honesty, cooperation, perseverance, self-control, and responsibility in each child. We use a carefully prepared environment that is developed to help each child succeed and grow at his own pace.Back To Top
