Believe in the child

PROGRAM STATEMENT

How does learning happen in a Montessori class.

Montessori is an education for life, a philosophy. Most importantly Montessori is a method of education that is based on a profound respect for the well-being of each child.

Montessori emphasizes the potential of the young child, by utilizing special teaching materials and specially trained teachers.  The Montessori materials awaken the child’s desire to learn and channel his/her curiosity into a learning experience.  The materials (games/toys) help the child learn different concepts by associating abstract concepts with concrete sensorial impressions.  In the Montessori system, the child learns and progresses at his/her own pace according to his/her own abilities. This philosophy and the freedom, that accompanies it, allow the child to choose the exercises he/she wishes to work on; the directress closely monitors these choices and provides the required help when needed. The true value of the Montessori program becomes apparent through the development of self-discipline, self-mastery and a love of learning. In a Montessori environment it is important to look at all aspects of the child’s development: physical, intellectual and spiritual.  By nurturing the healthy development of all aspects of each child’s development we support their growing sense of self and the child learns to belong and adapt to his environment. 

In a Montessori school parents are encouraged to attend regular Montessori presentation. This solidifies the bond between; children, families and educators to ensure everyone are working towards one common goal …the well-being and healthy development of each child.

The Montessori classroom offers a wide variety of unique educational didactic materials. (Self-teaching aid) The goal of these is an internal one to aid the child’s mental development and self-construction.  The material provides a stimulus that captures the child’s attention, imagination and initiates a process of concentration. The child uses these apparatus to develop his co-ordination, attention to details and good work habits.  The young child begins by doing simple exercises that he or she will enjoy.  The exercises that the child will do starting at 1.5 to 4 years of age will help develop concentration, co-ordination and work habits necessary for the more advanced exercises he or she will undertake at 5 and 6 years of age.  It is because of this progression in the material that our children are capable of such great academic achievements.

The Montessori directress acts as a guide in a Montessori class. She/he is a facilitator in the classic sense of that word. Dr. Montessori believed that children are capable of discovery and it is that thrill of discovery which leads to all sorts of creative enterprise. The class directress prepares the classroom carefully by being sensitive to each child’s needs, considering the planes of development.  Most lessons are given individually to the children.  The time when a new exercise is presented is based upon careful observation by the directress and in respect to each child’s progress. After completing the toddler program (1.5 to 3) a child enters the casa class and stays in the same Casa Montessori class for 3 years.

The Montessori prepared classroom is one of the key elements to provide a good learning experience to the young child.  In all of these areas of the Montessori class, communication is fostered and encouraged. The Montessori class is like a micro society where you have to learn to live together and be respectful of one another.

Orleans Montessori Children’s House (OMCH) is very involved in our community. We make regular visits to the local library and the Cumberland Heritage museum. We invite local artists, firefighters and police officers to give presentations at our school.  We also rent the Cumberland hall semi-annually for our graduation  and Christmas party, where we host a silent auction to help raise money for the local food bank.

At OMCH each child has a personal booklet where teachers keep track of their observations on the child’s development and progress.  Parent-teacher meetings – which occur two-three times per year -ensure that we update parents on their child’s progress.

The school directress plans regular staff meetings – professional development (PD) days – does observations and meets staff members individually for evaluations to ensure that all staff follow the guidelines set out in our program statement and abides by the policies and regulations of the school. Every staff member is also expected to attend the parent evening lectures through the year. The purpose of these lectures is to give parents a better understanding of our program. If a staff member has difficulty following the guidelines set in the program statement different options will be proposed before the withdrawal of that staff member.

For example: Meeting with school directress, mentorship with other staff member, further training.

OMCH staff is encouraged to attend regular professional development conferences and lectures to better their understanding of child development and Montessori philosophy. At OMCH, we value our staff and we put every effort into creating a wonderful work environment.