Preschool is an important part of your child’s life experience. As parents, there are so many choices when it comes to early education that it can be hard to choose the right preschool for your child. A Montessori school is one of the many options so it is important to know what Montessori is all about when it comes to choosing a preschool for your child.
The Montessori style of education came from Maria Montessori’s idea that children learn at their own pace by having the freedom to choose and be independent. This philosophy focuses on the whole child, including development in all areas of life, physical, social, emotional and academic. Engaging and encouraging children to work, communicate and explore the world around them helps them find that balance.
Montessori education believes in using materials and activities that don’t differentiate between play and work. Therefore children learn joyfully from age-appropriate, hands-on materials.
What does a Montessori Classroom look like?
In a Montessori classroom, you will find different areas set up that children choose from. .The materials are displayed neatly on shelves and maintained well. These displays are designed to be uncluttered, inviting, well thought out and appealing to the child.
The materials relate to the following areas and integrate subjects like physical sciences, music and art.
- Practical Life – Activities that help children build their motor coordination while learning skills that help them gain functional independence, practice their ability to focus and be a contributing member of the classroom community.
- Language Arts – Activities to increase vocabulary, encourage creative expression, get introduced to the alphabet and begin writing / reading
- Mathematics – Activities that introduce mathematical concepts of numbers, quantities, operations and patterns.
- Sensorial – Activities aimed at refining all five senses to perceive minor variations in size, color, texture , smell, sound and much more
Each area has activities that focus around the current curriculum that is graded in complexity to work for multiple age levels. The multi-age activities are a special part of the Montessori curriculum, allowing younger students to learn from the older ones and in turn allowing the older ones to learn the importance of being good role models.
What is unique about Montessori Staff and Students?
Montessori teachers go through a rigorous training that includes early childhood education, child development and subject matter knowledge .The role of a Montessori teacher is to prepare the materials and environment to suit the children at different ages .They are also skilled observers who work to guide students through appropriate activities, helping them to learn each step of the curriculum when they are ready. The teachers also guide each student based on their individual needs, characteristics, temperament, learning style and special interests.
Under this guidance, children are allowed to work at their own pace while learning valuable skills. Montessori children are encouraged to explore .These activities help them to learn critical thinking, problem solving and taking responsibility. They gain real-world experience that they carry with them through their school years into adulthood.
How does your child benefit from attending a Montessori School?
Children who attend preschool at the Montessori Schools of Fremont enjoy learning and seek out things in the world that interest them. They learn to get along with others in a peaceful manner and interact with different age groups. They have all the necessary skills and knowledge they need to move into our First Grade.
What next?
We have an excellent Elementary program that supports the continued growth of each individual child.
If you would like to learn more about Montessori Education at Primary or Elementary levels please contact our team at Montessori School of Fremont. We invite you to spend some time exploring our school to see if this is the right choice for your family.
