Information on Montessori and FAQ's
What is Montessori?
Montessori is a comprehensive educational approach from birth to adulthood based on the observation of children's needs in a variety of cultures all around the world.
Beginning her work almost a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori developed this educational approach based on her understanding of children's natural learning tendencies as they unfold in "prepared environments" for multi-age groups (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and 12-14).
The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative "materials for development" that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
What makes Montessori special?
Montessori has been around for over a hundred years. Created by Dr. Maria Montessori, it is a method of education which focuses on the child as an individual. It is based on the cognitive, behavioural, social, physical and emotional development of the child. A Montessori classroom exists for the development of the child at his/her own pace; it is child-centred learning at its best.
As a baby explores his environment, he touches, tastes, sees, hears and smells all that is around him. This sensorial approach to learning is also quite evident in the Montessori classroom as children are encouraged to explore with teaching materials - manipulating them - to obtain a full understanding of the lesson being taught. Montessori answers all those 'why' questions. It gives the answer to 'why?' before the question needs to be asked.
Children are admitted to a Montessori school throughout the school year. The new children coming into the environment are given the benefit of learning from the children who have already settled into the classroom.
Similarly, with the age groupings, the older children act as mentors and they not only pass on their experiences, but also learn how to be gentle and considerate of the younger children. In such a way, the children are not dependant on their teachers. They are allowed and encouraged to problem-solve amongst themselves.
In a Montessori classroom, the children are given skills to succeed in this adult world. They are shown how to use everyday items in order to complete necessary tasks independently. The children are allowed adequate time to master these tasks and commended for their courage in attempting to do so. Children often execute activities not for the end result, as adults often do, but for the sheer joy of seeing the process unfold.A Montessori classroom is a social setting. The children choose to either work independently or with their peers. They find a harmonious balance between social and academic pursuits. With this harmony, a Montessori classroom is a place perfectly suited to academic learning. The childrens' senses are refined and they develop a sense of peace in working hard and achieving success.As you search for appropriate schooling for your children, remember to visit your local Montessori schools.
FAQ's
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Is our Kindergarten program FREE? yes!Did you know our Kindergarten program is free? Like the public school, we also offer Alberta Education curriculum-based Kindergarten. In addition, we provide smaller class sizes, individual attention for the gifted and special needs children and more.
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Does preschool push children too hard to achieve intellectual pursuits?By instructing children at such a tender age (Montessori preschools enroll students who are 3 years old and up), does the Montessori method deprives youngsters of their natural childhood, does it push children too hard to achieve intellectual pursuits? The sensitive periods are when a child learns with ease and is most responsive to a learning environment. Research has proven that a child’s mind has the ability to truly absorb for only a brief “window of time.” Therefore, the potential for learning is greater when it is a natural function of childhood.” Students can choose to attend 3 hours per day, which with the circle time, snack time and learning activities goes by very quickly.
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If the child is allowed to choose their work, is there too much freedom in the class, which confuses the child?The fundamental principle of Montessori education is the liberty of the student. Individual freedom of choice builds character and integrity in the students who works in the class with respect for others as a principle. There is purposefulness in the choices made by students who have been introduced to the specific use of the materials. Free reign over a vast array of materials that haven’t been introduced in a specific manner only confounds the young mind. A good teacher is vigilant of her student’s progress; keeping careful records and having an indivualized plan for each student which is reviewed on a bi-weekly basis.. The freedom in the classroom is quiet, organized and respectful of others that are working. The child is not confused, as he/she knows when the learning environment is settled and when there is room for unstructured learning.
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How does the age groupings work, having students ages 3 to 6 years old in the same classroom?Research has proven that children are much less inhibited when they learn from their peers. A lack of competitiveness and a mutual respect allows them to learn in a different capacity than from their adult teachers. Older students develop self-confidence in helping the young through mentoring, reading or often demonstrating a lesson. And the young strive to accomplish in the same capacity as their older colleagues.
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Does the child with a Montessori background have a hard time adjusting socially and academically to their peers in the public school system?Without a doubt, absolutely not. We are happy to point you to past Montessori students who are now in the older grades. A Montessori child is typically eager to learn, enjoys challenges, works well with peers and is comfortable with independence. Most children are academically ahead of their neighborhood peers, helping them approach a new school with success, confidence and overall positive experiences.
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What school is the best fit for my child after Montessori Kindergarten?The short answer is any school! The long answer is choices choices. Did you know? Big Rock Elementary School is next door and they offer Grades 1-6 Montessori. Please email Rebecca Forchuk Principal, Big Rock School for more information. Some parents choose their neighbourhood schools, where their child has academic and friendship successes in place to merely adapt to a 'bigger' school model. Some parents choose French Immersion as we provide basic French foundational skills for an easy transition to Grade 1 FI. Some parents choose the Nature School to continue a fascination of learning in an outdoor environment. Some parents choose private education, such as STS or Edison for further academic pursuits. We encourage parents to decide what is the best fit for their child, the child does not know what to choose other than attending the same school as their sibling or riding the bus! Parents know their child best.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have.