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Art, music and storytelling are important elements of our curriculum at Children’s Choice Montessori. During our free choice work time, the children will have access to our art shelf, offering a variety of mediums such as crayons, markers, scissors, drawing paper, construction paper, et cetera. Stories, music and listening games will occur during the group time of each class session. The children will learn songs, hand poetry, dances and play a variety of different musical and percussion instruments. The Montessori Primary Classroom is the ideal place for exploring young hands and minds. There are hundreds of activities arranged neatly on the classroom shelves. The children are free to explore the materials of their choosing, as long as they treat them with care and return them to the shelf when the activity is completed. This type of “structured freedom” gives the child a sense of control over the environment…a feeling to which few youngsters are accustomed. In this way, the children are able to work independently, while the teacher works individually with each of the students in the class. Our goal is to ensure that our students progress at their own pace, and that they enjoy the learning process. Combining children of different ages in the same classroom creates a variety of opportunities that are otherwise missed. For example, a 5 year old who helps a 3 year old with an activity strengthens his or her own understanding of the work, while gaining confidence and a sense of belonging. Mixing ages reduces competition and the feeling of inadequacy. It also allows children to progress rapidly without being singled out. Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of respect for one’s self, for others and for our environment. We discuss the child’s role in the family, the classroom and society, in an effort to develop the child’s sense of purpose and belonging. As teachers, our goal is to guide and assist the children in their social, emotional and academic growth, as they develop the skills necessary for success in life. We are not seeking short-term solutions for today’s problems; rather, we are striving to teach the children how to solve their own problems. Learning to work and play well with others is a valuable life skill. The children are encouraged to use respectful tones and words when interacting with teachers, parents and peers. The “structured freedom” of the Montessori classroom enables the child to choose the materials and activities that s/he desires. Such freedom is dependent upon the child’s responsibility to demonstrate proper care and use of these materials. The young child develops independence, confidence and self-motivation in this type of setting. Maria Montessori described the “absorbent mind” of the young child as a sponge that soaks up everything in its environment. At Children’s Choice Montessori we strive to make the environment positive, comfortable and nurturing for the developing young mind and spirit. Discipline: Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children primarily used misbehavior as a means of determining their boundaries they will continue to test until s/he is sure of the consequences. When provided with a clear set of rules and consistent enforcement mechanisms, children tend to stay within the guidelines set for them. However, on those occasions when a child displays inappropriate behaviors, s/he is presented with a choice. The child may choose to follow the rules, or privileges will be revoked. This method of discipline motivates the child to comply, because it is in the child’s best interest to do so. Children quickly come to realize that actions have consequences, and not all of them are pleasant. Punishing or scolding a child for misbehavior is a temporary solution to the problem that rarely eliminates the behavior. By showing the children respect and kindness, we have been able to instill a sense of self-discipline and the understanding that a child must take responsibility for his/her actions. Physical aggression towards others or destruction of property will not be tolerated. Although we will try to work with the family of a child who is demonstrating violent behaviors, our first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the children. |
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