Montessori Learning Path

Montessori Learning Path is also sensitive to the needs of working parents and offers a wonderful before and after care program including Drawing Board, an art program combining learning and hands-on projects. How does Montessori Learning Path different from other Preschools? In most preschools the children are taught educational concepts in a group by a teacher. At Montessori Learning Path, the children learn by working independently with specially designed materials in a prepared environment.

Who started the Montessori method?

Dr. Maria Montessori, using the scientific method, observed classes in the Children's Houses in Rome. Based on these observations, she developed unique learning materials for a child-centered environment. She revolutionized educational thought by discovering the critical "sensitive periods" for learning. She stressed respect for the child, freedom of expression, self education, and training through use of movement and the senses.

What is the Montessori method of education?

Montessori classroom materials are designed for child-directed learning. The child is taught how to use the materials. The classroom design is beautiful and interesting to the child in order to facilitate learning. Maria Montessori said, "The child, left at liberty to exercise his activities, ought to find in his surroundings something organized in direct relation to his internal organization which is developing itself by natural laws." The teacher carefully prepares the classroom and is available to assist children and give instruction as needed. The Montessori method is based on the child's need to discover order in his world.

Montessori believed in presenting the "big picture" first and then the child can discover where he/she fits in that picture. Throughout the classroom the child can discover how every part of life is interwoven and connected. All the areas of the classroom flow together and are interwoven and connected. This is "whole" education. It is true that throughout the universe all things are connected and interdependent and interwoven. This is like a universal puzzle with all the pieces in place. This is what Montessori wanted to give to children and in the process help them to find their place in this grand design.

Montessori knew that children learn best from concrete or real objects, especially when learning abstract ideas. She knew that children learn best by doing. Her materials are designed to let the child discover the concepts and thus learn for himself. It is as if he or she were the first to discover that concept. That discovery is very exciting and is of great worth to the child. Her materials are designed with "isolation of difficulty" This means that one concept is taught and is isolated so that the child's mind is focused on the concept being taught. The materials also have "control of error" which means that through working with the materials the child, when finished, can detect if an error has been made. Thus the child can correct his own mistakes. Errors are treated kindly as a natural part of the learning process. We believe that the fear of making a mistake can cripple a child's creativity and ability to learn. Repetition, encouragement and teamwork replace criticism and competition.

What is the purpose of the Montessori method?

The main purpose of the Montessori method is to develop a classroom environment where the child can unfold spontaneously and manifest the greater person within. According to Maria Montessori, "The child is the father of the man." As the child begins to develop his inner self, his love for learning continuously expands.

What is in a Montessori classroom?

The Montessori world is a child-size world. Whatever is in the world outside can be incorporated meaningfully into the Montessori classroom. Careful selection of materials by the teacher creates an environment where the child

can explore life on a level easy to understand. The materials and exercises are designed to stimulate independent exploration. The prepared environment entices the child to proceed at his own pace from simple activities to more complex ones. A child's natural curiosity is satisfied and he begins to experience the joy of discovering the word about him. Materials and curriculum focus around Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography, Science, Art, Music, Drama, and Movement.

How do children interact in the environment?

As the children develop their sense of pride in their "work," a feeling of confidence, well-being, and joy is manifested in the child. A "new child" is born. A classroom of Montessori children is a joy to watch. There is respect, love, and cooperation among the children as they socialize and learn.

What is the role of the Montessori teacher?

The Montessori teacher is sometimes called a directress because she facilitates the classroom activity but does not lecture. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to educate each child individually and allows him to choose from many activities within his range of ability. She stands back while a child is working and allows him the satisfaction of discovery.

With all the freedom isn't there confusion?

The concept of freedom within the classroom is one of freedom within limits. A child may work freely so long as he does not disturb others. "The liberty of the child should have as its limit the collective interest; as it's form, what we universally consider good breeding. We must, therefore, check in the child whatever offends or annoys others, or whatever tends toward rough or ill-bred acts." Children allowed the freedom to choose their own work generally are happy and self-controlled so the classroom tends to be ordered.

What is the best age to start a child at Montessori Learning Path?

Maria Montessori outlined various periods of "sensitivity." During these times, a child is more capable of, and interested in, learning specific concepts. Between the ages of 0-3 is the time of greatest brain plasticity: The brain is able to construct knowledge at a fast and absorbent rate. At no other time in a person's life will there be more windows of opportunity for a person to more easily learn. From about age two to three, a special sense of order, concentration, coordination, and independence begins to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child's academic training in Montessori as he is building the foundation for all his future learning. Montessori Learning Path begins enrollment at age 2 in our toddler program and at age 3 for our preschool program.

How do Montessori children adjust to traditional schools?

Children that have been in a Montessori environment typically are very flexible and adjust quite easily to the public school situation. They are generally better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their self-direction and positive attitude toward learning.

What about socialization and group work?

Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori method. In the classroom children interact continuously, often choosing to work on projects together. Very often older children help younger ones. Each day, there is group activity time, called "line time", and there is ample opportunity for socialization during daily outdoor play and also during the wonderful before and after school childcare provided by Montessori Learning Path.

Who is the Montessori method designed for?

The Montessori method is an "approach to learning" and as such has no distinction of class or intelligence. It has been used successfully in all parts of the world and in all types of programs, including Headstart, gifted children, learning disabled children, and all children.

Isn't Montessori expensive?

Tuition in Montessori schools throughout the country is comparable to, but sometime higher than, other schools because of the materials, encompassing environment, curriculum, and trained staff. It is, however, a very reasonable cost in contrast to other activities you would plan for yourself and your child. To give your child the finest possible experience in his "sensitive years" is to give him a strong foundation throughout his life. Many educators believe to invest in a preschool education is wiser than in a college education. It is of great benefit for the child to enjoy learning and become self-directed during the critical preschool age. The tuition at Montessori Learning Path is very reasonable.

Does Montessori Learning Path employ current research and theory in education methods?

Yes. Montessori is not a static or closed system of education. While there are certain materials and methods that have proven effective over the years, Montessori is as much an attitude about education and children as it is a specific method with certain materials.

Do you encourage parent involvement in the school?

We encourage parent involvement through conferences, observations, discussions, volunteer activities and Board of Directors. The teachers at Montessori Learning Path know that the more parents can understand the experience of the child in the classroom the better able they are to follow through at home. We are also well aware that our program would be a shadow of what it is without all the parent support we receive! Thank You!