What do you have to offer that my child can't get at other local schools or daycares?
The Montessori approach to education is unique. You will see that the minute you walk into our classroom. The materials used to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, science, music and social studies are all unique to the Montessori classroom. Maria Montessori, a physician who developed the materials and educational philosophy upon which our school is built, recognized the important impact that physiological and neurological development have on a child's learning. The classroom materials she developed for our youngest students, for example, take abstract ideas and put them in a concrete form that makes sense to these developing minds. Students learn to learn from their peers, and respect their own and each other's ability to be a teacher as well as a student. Finally, our teachers use few didactic approaches; they are primarily observers of their students, stepping in when they see a child is "stuck" or ready to learn a new skill. This allows the children to learn independently, with the guidance and support of a teacher whose primary focus is observing how your child learns, and tapping into those styles and approaches that work best for your child.
What about socialization and group work?
Socialization is a fundamental part of Montessori education. Both in and out of the classroom students interact continuously, working together and helping each other. The multi-age setting facilitates socialization and encourages students to seek help from one another. Our program strives to support the Development of the Whole Child; Physically, Cognitively, Socially and Emotionally. As such, we have merged the Montessori Method with Developmentally Appropriate Practices. One of the main areas to note from this merge is our emphasis on Social Development; in our program, students are encouraged to divide their time between independent learning and partnership/small group learning, all while using the Montessori Learning Materials. We instill the Montessori values of the peaceful work period, by teaching our students to use quiet, respectful voices so as not to disturbed their peers' concentration - while also ensuring they are able to communicate openly within their partnerships and small groups. We know the preschool years include the optimal window for learning key social development skills (such as Entering Play, Working Cooperatively and Social Problem Solving) so our program is designed to provide daily opportunities for each child to hone and refine these skills. By merging the Montessori Method with Developmentally Appropriate Practices, we are confident that our curriculum is a leader for Winnipeg's early learning programs.
Why should you choose a Montessori Education for your child?
Between the ages of 3 and 6 is when most of your child's intelligence and social characteristics are formed. This is also when your child is most receptive, curious, and excited about exploring the world around him or her. A Montessori classroom nurtures that excitement and curiosity by offering a variety of materials to stimulate and intrigue your child. The Montessori teacher is trained to recognize when a child is ready to learn a new skill, and to foster his or her natural instincts and abilities. Your child is valued as an independent thinker, and encouraged to make choices on his own. A Montessori education provides students of all ages with information in a way they can understand it and enjoy it -- learning is fun, empowering, and custom-fit to suit your child's individual learning style.
Is it really necessary for my child to attend a preschool?
Intelligence is not rare among human beings. It is found in children at birth. With the right stimulation, it is possible to nurture the development of reasoning and problem solving skills in young children.
The most important years of a child’s education are not 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.
What happens after Montessori?
Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make decisions at an early age, these children are problem solvers who can make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others and good communication skills ease the way in new settings.
Any good teacher will meet a child at that child's own level of development and make the necessary allowances for what has already been achieved. It is important for parents to monitor their child's work in the new academic situation and to keep in close contact with their child's teachers. Parent and teachers working together can ensure that the child will continue the love of learning acquired in Montessori.
The habits and skills which a child develops in a Montessori classroom are good for a lifetime. They will help him to work more efficiently, to observe more carefully and to concentrate more effectively, no matter where he goes. If he is in a stimulating environment, whether at home or at school, his self education - which is the only real education- will continue.
Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self esteem. Montessori programs, based on self directed, non competitive activities, help children develop good self images and the confidences to face challenges and change with optimism.
