1. What is the Montessori Method?
Dr. Maria Montessori developed a unique approach to education by creating a prepared environment that stimulates the child’s interest, and develops his understanding and learning capacities by using all of his or her senses. In contrast to most schools where children are taught in large groups, the Montessori method encourages the child to learn by working independently with the specially designed materials utilizing little adult intervention. The child is allowed to progress at his or her own pace from simple activities to more complex ones. Through this process, the child’s natural curiosity is satisfied, and he or she experiences the joy of discovering the world around him. The curriculum and the materials center around the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography, Science, French, Art, Music, Drama and Dance.
2. What is the Toddler Program?
We often hear our toddler’s cry of, “let me do it by myself”. It is with this notion that our Montessori Toddler program has been created. Our prepared environment allows the child to fulfill his need for independence through the use of ‘hands-on’, sensorial based materials. Through play, the child is able to develop self-help skills such as buttoning, spooning, and pouring. They are also exposed to early concepts such as discriminating color, building from largest to smallest, early number and letter recognition, and language enrichment. The outside world is also an inviting component of the Toddler program. Children are able to discover the wonder of nature and learn to care for it. Our child-sized, home-like environment allows the child to explore freely in a safe, controlled, social, nurturing environment, creating a sense of security and building the child’s ever developing self esteem.
3. Why should I send my child to Montessori Preschool?
Recent studies released by the Ontario Ministry of Education indicate that children are ready for school well before age 5. Most educators and psychologists agree that the single most important period in the development of a person’s intelligence occurs before age five. A child’s mind is extremely absorbent, and his curiosity is at a peak during early years. Between the ages of 21/2 – 31/2, a special sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence begin to emerge. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child’s mind forms learning patterns that serve him well throughout his life. The Montessori system of education has proven to be one of the most effective methods used to guide a child through these critical years, and to prepare him or her for what the future holds.
4. Why Montessori Casa?
The Montessori Casa curriculum is based on the observation that children learn most effectively through direct experience, investigation and discovery. The child is interested in becoming a social being, and is developing a greater sense of concern for his peers. An overview of a cultural curriculum is given to this child to help him in developing social skills. The primary goal of the program is to prepare children for our world. Students are permitted to readily discuss their ideas, feelings and opinions with their peers. This leads to the emergence of children who are socially disciplined, and responsible.