Montessori educationis more of a holistic approach to learning, meaning that the methods
used apply to all facets of a child’s life rather than just the academic ones.
The goal is to produce children who are able to meld into society as well as
become successful in academic pursuits. Parents play a large role in that and becoming
familiar with the Montessori method may be the best way to support your
child and his school.
Preschool Preparedness
Making sure that your
children
are prepared for the school day provides a lot of support to the student
guides. Preschool children will be practicing being self-sufficiency in life -
and the restroom. For this, they need to wear clothing they can put on and take
off by themselves with little or no assistance. Similarly, shoes that they can
put on by themselves makes it easier for Montessori students to transition from
indoor to outside activities. Help your
children to select their school clothing the night before, eliminating early
morning stress factors. This is a huge benefit in the classroom, as children
who become anxious or stressed before school tend to carry the effects with
them into the classroom.
Parental Participation
Parents can get
involved on the personal level by volunteering to help out in the
classroom, at special events, or by providing special skills that the classroom
can benefit from. Parents are a tremendous asset for the school when it comes
to event planning and having sufficient hands available during special
functions, and they rely on parental involvement to keep it all working
smoothly. Taking an active role may be the best support you can offer to your
child's school, and it will have a positive impact on your children in the
process.
Work as a Team
Keep in mind that
your child’s school wants the same things you do, namely a well-educated child
who is comfortable with social graces and responsibility. When attending
parent-teacher conferences, remember that you are on the same team. When a
child sees that his parents and teachers are working together, they have a
tendency to react in a positive manner. Read school newsletters, ask your
children about their day, and make
learning an exciting experience for everyone.
Financial Support
Montessori schools
need your assistance in order to pay for school improvements, class trips, and
to purchase materials for the classroom. You can help with this by making
donations, taking part in fundraising campaigns, or providing much needed
materials to the school. Keep in mind that your contributions should be
intended to help all of the children, not just your own, so plan your donations
accordingly. If you have questions
about how you can support your school, don’t hesitate to ask. The best rule of
thumb is that anything you can do to help the school will also benefit your children, so take a few minutes to chat with teachers and find out where
and how you can provide the best support. If you're unsure of ways to help your child's Montessori school, contact the teachers and staff at the Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus. We value Montessori education and sharing that methodology with children everyday.
A Montessori
education is a well-rounded education, and preschool is the best time to start.
Unlike traditional public schools, the Montessori classroom puts an emphasis on
skills
the child will be able to use throughout their life, including academic
subjects, real-life skills, how to interact on a social level, and the
importance of personal worth. This may seem like a lot for a small child to
absorb, but the Montessori approach integrates the different objectives into
daily course objectives so that learning about one objective helps reinforce
education about others in the process.
Basic Life Skills
Montessori is about
far more than academic education, and it can be practiced in the home. Learning basic life skills gets a lot of
focus in the preschool environment, including such things as using the restroom
unassisted, washing hands before meals, and learning to clean up behind
oneself. Mastering everyday skills like setting and clearing the dinner table
helps children improve motor skills, teaching reasoning concepts and counting,
and a variety of other, more abstract concepts. Teaching children how to be
successful human beings is not restricted to the classroom and shouldn’t end
when the school day is over.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
STEM activities for
young children help them become acquainted with the magic and mystery of
science. While preschoolers are not expected to master rocket science, they
will almost certainly be amazed by the transformation of a caterpillar into a
butterfly, learning to use the technology found in the classroom, or becoming
acquainted with the beauty of simple math. Preschool STEM projects may not
reveal the secrets of the universe, but building hands-on, STEM-related experience
may help them develop a fondness for knowledge and discovery.
Social Skills
Social interaction is
vital to a happy childhood. In the Montessori classroom, care is taken to
introduce children to basic etiquette and other social skills. Additionally,
emphasis is put on problem solving and conflict resolution so that today’s
preschoolers will be better equipped to be tomorrow’s diplomats. Sharing
and working together are important skills that are crucial to
the Montessori environment.
Self Esteem
Underneath the life
skills, STEM activities, and social interaction, the Montessori classroom is
also instilling
a sense of self-worth. Children who receive praise tend to be more
enthusiastic and having a high self esteem is often central to displaying care
and compassion for others. It is also beneficial in helping children avoid
bullying, plus the fact that once a child understands that they have the power
to succeed, the doors of success are easier to open. For the parents of
young children, it is important to remember that what a child experiences in
the classroom can be continued in the home. Talk to your child’s student guides
about the classroom projects and look for ways to recreate
similar activities in the home. If children are awake, they are learning,
and it is up to everyone around them to make that an enjoyable and interesting
experience. Montessori Children's House has a Preschool and Primary program for ages 18 months to 6 years. Our teachers work with students and parents to incorporate lessons from the school day into everyday activities. To learn more about the Montessori method, contact our school today.