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Dr. Maria Montessori described the years from two and one half to six as a "sensitive period". During this period your child is capable of more learning than at any other time in his/her life. If a child is guided intelligently, learning can be a joyful experience from the very beginning. The 'inner discipline' which a child acquires through his/her exposure to both physical and mental order in the classroom is the core of the Montessori philosophy. Our aim is the development of each child's full potential in a prepared environment where children can discover for themselves and work independently at their own pace. | |
| Individualized Education - Children are all different from each other. This individuality is respected and safe-guarded. The child has direct contact with the materials and is not held to the pace or interests of other children. Materials are ungraded and include a broad variety of subject matter so there is something for every child. A child competes only with him/her self, so success becomes its own reward. |
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A Prepared Environment - There is a difference between the traditional classroom and the Montessori classroom, and that difference becomes most apparent when one observes the environment. Children of differing ages are included in the same class. There is a busy atmosphere. The room is functionally arranged for children, enabling them to move and develop freely. Children are involved in their work and may be seen working with materials on the floor, or at small tables; sometimes alone, sometimes in pairs or small groups. There is a sense of structure and order; everything has a place. Children move about as they select their work from the shelves, as they work with the materials, and as they return the materials to the shelves. This is not idle movement, but movement toward a definite goal. Such independence on the part of the children allows the teachers to work with individual children or small groups on lessons which are appropriate to their developmental stage. | |
| Teaching Materials - Montessori used specially designed apparatus in her schools, which is now part of the standard equipment in a Montessori pre-school. Commercially made and teacher made materials are included as well. All of the materials, however, must follow certain principles; they must capture the child's attention and stimulate his/her natural desire to learn, they must progress from simple to more complex usage, they should prepare the child for future learning, should begin with a concrete expression of an idea, and the control of error lies in the material itself. The apparatus in the classroom can be divided into three categories: practical life materials which promote the child's mastery of self and the environment, sensorial materials which provide the child with concrete tools needed to sort and classify concepts, and learning materials which teach language, math, science and geography. |
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Morning and afternoon class are available for children aged three to six. Classes are under the supervision of trained Montessori teachers certified by the American Montessori Society. Each class has an assistant teacher, and often classes will have intern teachers as well as the regular staff. During the course of the year guest speakers, and special events are scheduled. The Merrimack Valley Montessori Parent Volunteer Organization hosts events during the year to provide various enhancements to the program. | |
| At the Merrimack Valley Montessori School we recognize that parents are very important teachers of their children. We can not provide the best possible experience for children unless there is interest and involvement on the part of the parents. We encourage open communication with parents and welcome comments, criticisms, or suggestions. Parents may be involved in a variety of ways. Parent meetings and activities are scheduled throughout the year, parents may help in the classroom with special activities, parents may share their hobbies, occupations, or interests with the children. Many parents get involved in the Parent Volunteer Organization as well. Parent conferences are scheduled regularly through out the year. However, special conferences may be scheduled at any time. The Merrimack Valley Montessori School maintains an "open door" policy. Parents may come into our school at any time for a short visit or for the entire class. We encourage all parents to visit the class at some point during the year. |
All text and images ©2000 MVMS |
