Philosophy: Montessori is an approach to the education of children. It is a view of how children develop and learn which has been translated into a systematic method of education based upon careful scientific study.
The three criteria listed below are the main foundation to the Montessori philosophy:
1. Multi-age Grouping- At Belfair Montessori the students are divided into three groups: Primary (preschool and kindergarten), Elementary (Grades 1-3 and one class of Grades 2-5 which will progress into a grade 4-5 class). Multi-age grouping lends itself to child to child teaching, interaction and socialization.
2. Prepared Enviornment- The child learns directly from the envornment, not the teacher. The program is designed to facilitate learning through prepared lessons, exploration and creativity. This is accomplished through specially designed equipment and materials specifically used in a Montessori environment.
3. Individual or Small Group Instruction- The children learn from their environment, not through teaching lecture. Most instruction is given individually or in groups of two or three. When children are ready, they move through the curriculum. When the child masters a concept, he moves on to the next step in the curriculum and does not have to wait for anyone else to do the same. On the other hand, if a child needs to further explore a concept, he is afforded the time.
The Montessori Curriculum
Primary
There are no academic requirements for this age, but children are exposed to a vast amount of knowledge and often learn to read, write and calculate beyond what is usually thought possible. Children choose their work from among the self-correcting materials displayed on open shelves, and they work in specific work areas. Over a period of time the children develop into a normalized community working with high concentration and few interruptions. Normalization is the process whereby a child moves from being undisciplined to self-disciplined, from disordered to ordered, from distracted to focused, through work in the environment.
In the Montessori primary class five distinct areas constitute the prepared environment.
Practical life enhances the development of task organization and cognitive order through care of self, care of the environment, exercises of grace and courtesy, and coordination of physical movement.
Sensorial enables the child to order, classify, and describe sensory impressions in relation to length, width, temperature, mass, color, etc.
Mathematics makes use of manipulative materials to enable the child to internalize concepts of number, symbol, sequence, operations, and memorization of basic facts.
Language arts includes oral language development, written expression, reading, the study of grammar, and children's literature. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through the use of sandpaper letters, alphabet cut-outs, and various presentations allowing the children to link sounds and letter symbols effortlessly and to express their thoughts in writing.
Cultural exposes the child to basics in geography, history, and life sciences. Music, art, and movement education are part of the integrated cultural curriculum.
Admission Requirements
Students may enter in Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten. Students with prior Montessori experience will be considered at all grade levels.
