Montessori education is 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.
