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In the original Italian, Dr Maria Montessori coined the words casa dei bambini, which translates to Children's House.
We use the term Children's House to designate a Montessori preschool because we do not view it as "pre" school. We see it as a very relevant "school" that meets the child's physical, emotional and intellectual needs between the ages of three and six. |
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What are the elements of the Montessori approach that create a unique learning environment?
Let us suggest a few...
1. Liberty
2. Activity
3. Responsibility
4. Community
5. Love |
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| Liberty is essential to learning. Through free choice children express and strengthen their individuality, fostering the development of self confidence and integrity. Freedom of choice reinforces the construction of a healthy and vibrant will as well as independent thinking. Montessori explains, '"The child 'constructs' his (or her) own will by a process of self education... developing the will by making decisions." |
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| Montessori learning strategies for all developmental stages call for the inclusion of purposeful activity - activity which connects the intellect with real to life experiences. The didactic materials that are found in Montessori environments are tools for reflective action. They are meaningful in that they draw the learner into relationship. They are not 'tools for teaching' as much as they are experiences upon which one constructs personalised theory. Knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. |
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The boundary of liberty is the domain of the responsibility. Every child needs opportunities to acquire social, physical and moral responsibility. In the Montessori learning environment responsibility. In the Montessori learning environment responsibility is developed through experience and natural consequences.
Children are provided opportunities through social life activity to align themselves with the highest values needed in a democratic society. |
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| Communion is a basic human need to belong. It is an act of sharing that creates a context for personal and group meaning. A healthy community that requires the nurturing of deep communication skills - skills that honour children as individuals and ones that create a safe space for listening, hearing and honest dialogue. |
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Love is not only the attractive force that compels us to be with each other, it is a continuum of respect and reverence for life and the unfolding potential of humanity. Without love, learning is reduced to a method or a subject and the field of experience is limited.
Montessori explains, "A teacher must not imagine she can prepare herself for this vocation simply by acquiring knowledge and culture. Above all else she must cultivate a proper attitude to the moral order." In every school subject there is an activity of love. It is this spiritual component which differentiates a Montessori class from a class that uses Montessori materials. |
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A Montessori three to six environment includes these general areas:
Practical Life
Exercises having to do with care of self, the environment and concern for others. Concentration and co-ordination are developed. Grace and courtesy skills are practiced.
Sensorial
Exercises having to do with sense discrimination, observation and descriptive language. A clear approach fosters the continuing effort
of children to categorise and organise the qualities of the world
around them. |
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Language
Activities having to do with receptive and expressive language. Young children are interested in writing and reading. Given the opportunity, most children are ready to learn to read by age six.
Mathematics
Activities having to do with counting and number relationships, including an overview of the function of the decimal system. Careful design of materials in the mathematics area and in the sensorial area lays the groundwork for the future learning in algebra and geometry.
Cultural
Experiences that provide children with information about geography, history, music, art, science and nature study. Other areas of interest or knowledge from the hobbies or occupations of our community are explored as well.
Schedule
Children attend core hours: 8.30 to 1.00 for three year olds; 8.30 to 1.00 for some four year olds and 8.30 to 3.00 for other four year olds; 8.30 to 3.00 for five year olds |
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Suggested Reading
• Lillard, Paula Polk. 'Montessori, A Modern Approach'
• Montessori, Maria. ' The Absorbant Mind'
• Montessori, Maria. 'The Secret of Childhood' |
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