Student Life
Mindful Montessori
The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, (1870-1952) values the development of the whole child: intellectual, emotional, physical and social. It is based on a view of the child as naturally eager to learn. The goal is to support and guide this desire in a thoughtfully prepared environment.
Children are free to learn at their own pace and according to their interests, and are given uninterrupted blocks of time to work.
Many of the elements of a Montessori education naturally promote mindfulness: a quality of active, open attention on the present moment, accompanied by a non-judgmental attitude. In both Montessori and mindfulness practices, attention to the present, the here and now, is a key element. Mindfulness training involves bringing awareness to sensory experience. In a Montessori classroom, children learn to make fine distinctions in the information they receive through their senses. The taste of an orange, the color of a flower, the sound of a bell or bird song, the feel of the ground under our feet are all opportunities to become mindful of the world and how we experience it.
“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.”
- Maria Montessori
Music
Music activates the entire brain, strengthens community and family bonds, is confidence building, enhances spatial awareness and coordination, and sets a foundation for learning mathematics and ear training. All people are musical. Basic music competence is a learned achievement. All people can learn how to sing in tune, keep a steady beat, and confidently participate with enjoyment if the people who love them provide them with encouragement and a rich environment.
Foreign Language
Introducing children to foreign languages should begin as early as possible. For a child, the advantages and benefits of hearing multiple languages at an early age are extremely valuable and continue long into adulthood. We have included Chinese, Spanish and French in our curriculum.
TREVOR EISSLER PRESENTS:
"Montessori Madness"
Trevor Eissler
"Montessori Madness!"
Practical Life
With gentle oversight, children learn to care for themselves and their environment. Montessori methods promote a sense of mastery and self-confidence in each child. By performing such tasks as sweeping, polishing, washing and preparing food, children develop coordination, concentration, good work habits, and the value of completing a task.
Sensorial
Our materials are designed to heighten the child’s senses of sight, touch, sound, taste and smell. Senses are instrumental in understanding and classifying the environment. Through distinguishing, categorizing and comparing the concrete, children develop a foundation for moving from the concrete to the abstract.
Skillbuilding for Reading and Writing
Using simple alphabet cutouts and sandpaper letters, children learn the sounds of letters and soon are linking letters to make words, then words to make sentences. Children first develop small muscle coordination necessary to master writing in their exercises of daily living and in using the sensorial materials. They soon progress to writing letters.
Math
A child’s understanding of the basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division first emerges from using manipulative materials such as rods, beads, sandpaper numerals, cards and counters. Such materials help the student visualize otherwise abstract numbers. Using self-correcting materials, children learn not only number recognition and place value, but also solve problems.
Cultural Subjects
Geography, science, art and music are referred to as cultural subjects. Children learn about people, their countries and the world through food, music, pictures, flags, maps, artifacts and holiday celebrations.
Cooking
Our cooking sessions are designed to provide a experience that encourages the children to use all their senses. They smell different spices, understand different textures through touch, and taste recipes from all over the word.
Yoga
Yoga develops many wonderful qualities in children. In addition to the obvious benefits of exercising the physical body, both sharpen the child's ability to focus and give self-confidence and self discipline. And yoga, practiced regularly, helps children become aware of themselves from the inside out. From this awareness, children can change and grow in new and positive directions.
Gardening
Gardens are living laboratories where interdisciplinary lessons are drawn from real life experiences. In our garden, children have an opportunity to observe, discover, and experiment as active participants. We donate 10% of our garden's production to children that are fighting cancer.
Dance
Preschool dance class is designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills, cultivate imagination, creativity and social development. Dance allows children to express their individuality. We also focus on coordination and rhythm. We introduce those subjects in creative and imaginative ways, helping children to acquire a lifelong love for dance.
Peace Makers
As Dr. Montessori said “…we must gather together all the elements of the world and organize them into a science of peace.” To bring about a world of peace and tolerance, we must teach its practice early.