| What
is the difference between the Montessori Method and traditional
education? |
Montessori
education emphasizes learning through all five senses, not
just through reading, listening and watching. Children in
Montessori classes learn to their potential using activities
from hundreds of options. Learning is an exciting process
of discovery, leading to motivation, self-discipline and
concentration which fosters a love of learning. Montessori
places children into three-year age groups (3 to 6, 6 to
9, 9 to 12), forming classroom communities in which the
older children have opportunities to share their knowledge
and mentor the younger children. Montessori provides a wonderfully
effective approach to learning which emphasizes rich general
knowledge in the sciences, geography and social studies
which keeps the love of learning alive and allows children
to progress to their potential. |
|
| What
part does the teacher play in guiding the children? |
Montessori
teachers build on the natural human tendencies toward hard
work, creativity, communication and exploration to create
a learning environment that stimulates the curiosities of
the children. Through extensive observation and documentation,
the teacher plans individualized projects and lessons to
enable each child to progress to his or her highest potential. |
|
| What
if a child doesn’t feel like working? |
Montessori
students are given considerable latitude to explore topics
that interest them. However, they are expected to complete
goals and to work within a framework. Within every society
there are cultural norms; expectations for what children
should know and be able to achieve by a certain age. Trained
Montessori teachers are aware of these standards and give
as much support as is necessary to ensure that students
meet and exceed them. |
|
| How
much are parents involved? |
We
encourage as much parent involvement as possible. A strong
connection between family and school is encouraged at Foothills
Montessori School and given every opportunity to flourish.
The children are always proud to see a family member around
the campus. |
|
| Is
Montessori effective with highly gifted children? |
Children
who are exceptionally gifted will find Montessori to be
both intellectually challenging and flexible enough to respond
to them as unique individuals. |
|
| Can
I do Montessori in my own home? |
Montessori
methods of child development are very easily utilized in
the home. Try to look at your home through the eyes of your
child. Children need a sense of belonging which they feed
by participating in the routines of everyday life. Find
ways for your child to help with cleaning, gardening, caring
for clothes and toys, and meal preparation. Providing these
opportunities is the best way to build your child’s
self-esteem, concentration and sense of independence
. |
|
| Are
Montessori children successful later in life? |
Research
studies demonstrate that Montessori children are well prepared
for life, not only academically but socially and emotionally.
In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori
children are ranked above average on such criteria as listening
attentively, following directions, showing enthusiasm for
learning, using basic skills, adapting to new situations
and resolving conflicts peacefully. |
|
| Are
Montessori schools religious? |
Our
school is independent of any religious affiliation. |
|
| What
special training do your teachers have? |
Each
of our head or co-teachers holds a bachelor’s and/or
master’s degree, as well as a diploma from an accredited
Montessori training program. The traditional Montessori
training requires a minimum of one full year of graduate
level work for each of the multi-age groupings and stages
of development in children.
. |
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