| What is Montessori | The Environment | Freedom | Sensitive periods. | Curriculum | Outcomes |
| Adjusting | Teachers | Daily Routine | Nutrition Policy | Health Policy | Admissions Procedure |
The Montessori approach, in
existence for fifty
years, differs from traditional education in several important ways.
- It is a child centred philosophy.
- Individualized learning is the key factor.
- All aspects of the child are developed (physical, emotional, moral, social, & intellectual).
- Learning is achieved through direct experience and active involvement.
- Students work at their own pace.
- Self-direction is encouraged.
- Montessori is not affiliated with any religion.
The Montessori classroom is a "child-sized environment" where all learning tools are placed within easy reach."
The scaled down surroundings are arranged in an orderly fashion. Materials and exercises are carefully selected to promote independence. Activities follow a general pattern of familiar consistency.Spontaneous, everyday events of life are also considered worthy subject matter, ranging from the change of seasons to taking care of a new classroom pet or the birth of a baby brother/sister.
The outdoor environment is a natural extension of the classroom, and Montessori programs emphasise outdoor activities. The study of plants, insects, and the like are translated into actual experiences where exploration is allowed. This makes for reality-based learning and forms lasting impressions.
For
a Montessori child, freedom abounds. Yet, there are certain defined limits
and responsibilities for ones actions.
Limited
freedom with responsibility is the mode of operation at Montessori.
Children respond positively to moving freely from one learning area to
another, choosing and prioritising their own activities.
This teaches early decision-making by granting responsibility to the young
child. It is surprising how well the concepts are grasped and how much
gets done!
Respect for others and their property is another benefit that arises from
the concept of responsible freedom. Materials are borrowed as needed, and
then returned to their proper spot in good condition for the next user.
Our free world operates on the same basis, so why not teach these skills
from the start?
Montessori methods are guided by the principle of "sensitive periods" when the child is developmentally ready to learn.
Montessori programs take into account the fact that every child develops at his or her rate. New tasks are introduced at the right moment of "readiness". Only then will the information have true value.The teachers create this motivating, age-appropriate environment through ongoing evaluation of each student’s current stage of development. Frustration is kept to a minimum and learning flourishes.
Children form a habit of being successful one step at a time, building a firm foundation for continued enthusiasm and lifelong quest for knowledge. Once on their way, they cannot be stopped as they explore first their immediate surroundings, and then the universe.
A Montessori curriculum is more than reading, writing, and maths. Daily living skills and coordination are also taught.
The basic course of study includes:
- Practical Life
- Sense Awareness
- Language Development
- Physical Movement
- Expression (Art & Music)
Independent study is introduced early to make way for future "independent" progress.
- Children who are developed in a balanced manner in the cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual areas.
- Children who are decision makers, who are confident and independent .
- Children who are capable of progressing onwards with their potential realised.
- Children
who have gained a firm learning foundation.
- Children who have embarked successfully on a life long learning process
Montessori students go on to experience outstanding achievement in traditional school settings and in the community.
They are well prepared to succeed in new situations and to meet life's challenges. As curious, active learners, they eagerly adapt and continue along the road of success.With a self-image of being capable and effective, Montessori graduates often hold leadership positions. Their creative way of thinking generates solutions to problems not imagined by others.
In today's world of complex issues, this approach to early education is ever so crucial. We must ensure that tomorrow's adults are self-sufficient participants in society.
The Montessori joy of learning and pride of accomplishment leads to a well-adjusted lifestyle.
Montessori teachers allow the children to learn from their own experiences. Adult interference is minimal.
Teachers are specially trained to be keen observers, ready to facilitate a child's learning experience right on the spot. They also evaluate the children in literally a hundred different ways.This "diagnostic" information is shared with parents via regularly scheduled teacher/parent conferences. It is then the Montessori way to work together, as consistently as possible, in shaping the child's growth.
Creativity is the watchword at Montessori, and the teachers guide all activities in that direction. Self-expression is rewarded in an atmosphere of genuine trust and warmth.
All aspects of the day will incorporate the "Theme."
A predictable daily routine is an important curriculum element that helps to provide an orderly framework for children's activities. The routine allows for individual, small-group, and large-group activities and includes the following components:
PLANNING TIME:
Teachers meet with small groups of children to talk about what each child wants to do and how s/he may go about doing it. Children make decisions and teachers encourage and support them as they clarify and develop their ideas.
WORK TIME:
This is the longest single time period in the daily routine. During this time, children carry out their original plans or choose new activities. They are free to work in all areas of the classroom, exploring materials, learning new skills, trying out their ideas, and putting together what they are learning in ways that make sense to them. Teachers are working within the framework of the work cycle and seek ways to support children in developing their ideas. Teachers help to extend the children’s ideas in many ways: by working alongside them with similar materials, by joining in their role-play, or by helping them solve any problems that may arise.
RECALL TIME:
Teachers help children to recall and talk about what they did during work time. Teachers describe what they have seen children do and encourage them to attach language to their actions, making children more aware of their ideas and experiences and better able to draw upon them in the future.
SNACK TIME:
Each child will be given the opportunity to provide the daily snack. It will be his/her responsibility to offer round the snack tray to all of the other children, thus emphasizing, "sharing" and "waiting their turn." Drinks will also be offered.
CIRCLE TIME:
This is the only segment of the routine in which all of the children in the classroom are involved in the same activity at the same time. Typical circle time activities are Roll Call, Calendar, Sounds and Numbers of the week, songs, Theme discussions, Movement activities, and so forth. There is also ample time for children to share their own ideas and for the whole group to make use of these ideas.
OUTSIDE TIME:
Children and teachers are involved in vigorous physical activity, which improves their Gross motor skills, i.e. running, ball catching, and climbing. As in all activities, teachers encourage the children to talk about what they are doing.
LUNCH:
Teachers and children sit together at mealtime. The teachers encourage free talk and good manners. At the same time, the children are taught the responsibility of setting the table and cleaning-up after they have finished eating. A visit to the bathroom to wash hands and brush their teeth emphasizes the importance of personal hygiene.
EXTENDED WORK TIME:
The children have the option for doing activities that relate to the work done throughout the morning or alternatively a pursuit of their own choice.
STORY TIME:
This is a calming period for the children to learn to relax and unwind before they are collected.
The Montessori Centre values nutritionally healthy children.
1. Approximate meal times:
10.00 -
Snack
12:00 – Lunch
2. Teachers and children sit together at mealtimes. The teacher will facilitate the child's understanding that a wide variety of food is necessary for strong and healthy minds and bodies.
3. Children are encouraged to taste new foods in small amounts.
4. Children are encouraged to socialise and enjoy mealtimes as happy periods.
5. Integrated in the curriculum is appropriate nutrition and food related activities.
6. The staff must be informed of any allergies.
A menu is published at the beginning of the month so the children and parents will know what is being served on given days. If a child does not like what is on the menu, then he/she may opt to bring a meal from home. It is recommended that the parent and child pack the lunch together so that the child cannot claim that he/she doesn't like the food that has been sent. Soft drinks and chocolate or sweets are not allowed. Food that must be heated is not permitted, due to time constraints.
Daily Health Check
Upon arrival, children will be observed for signs of communicable diseases or other evidence of ill health.
Any child with the following symptoms will not be admitted:
- A temperature over 38 degrees
- Discharge from the ears or eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Any rash or skin lesion which blisters
If your child develops signs of illness during centre hours, you will be contacted immediately and requested to pick up your child.
Handwashing
The most important skill your child must do frequently is handwashing. The Montessori Centre staff practice handwashing with the children daily.
Toothbrushing
We request that you provide your child with a child-sized toothbrush and tube of toothpaste for brushing after lunch.
A meeting between parents, child and headteacher is arranged at a mutually agreeable time.
On completion of the registration form and payment of the £CY20 fee the child will be offered a place or listed on the waiting list.
Child and parent will be invited for a familiarisation visit to the school prior to enrolment.
The Department of Welfare requires that several forms be on file in the centre for each child enrolled in the programme:
• Enrolment information form
• Birth Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Department of Health Certificate of Immunisation