|
|
Our School Environment
 Montessori philosophy emphasizes respect for the child, and setting the child
up to succeed. These are key values
for our school, reflected in our policies and actions.
- Speaking with Respect
Terminology and
tone are extremely important when conversing with a child. We speak in gentle
phrases to praise and encourage each child and are spoken to in that manner in
return.
- Prepared Environments
Montessori method removes many of the obstacles in the environment that
contribute to unsettled children. The children derive a sense of security and
peacefulness from the order and structure of their environment, which in turn
invites and engages the child. Children innately need to move, touch and gain
experiences; by providing this in a prepared environment we are fulfilling their
intellectual and spiritual needs and a calm expansion of life takes place.
- Clear Expectations
Beginning with orientation and throughout the school year,
the children are made aware of appropriate and considerate behaviour, and why
these are necessary for the enjoyment and harmony of the group. Through gentle
reminders and consistent modeling the children become sensitive to the needs
of others, and develop a respect for their learning environment.
- Care of the Environment
Respect, and care for the materials and environment are concepts that are
reviewed and modeled continuously. As the children are involved in the
maintenance of their environment they move about the class in a calm, orderly
fashion.
- Redirection and Observation
Guides encourage the children to take responsibility for their own decisions
and in finding resolutions to challenges, resulting in them learning to do so
without too much adult intervention. If needed, Guide involvement and support
is always available.
In situations where Guide intervention is required, redirection is the method
of choice. Suggestions and invitations are given to engage in other activities.
A Guide may introduce a calming activity or a more challenging activity, which
will satisfy the childs immediate need. The Guide will often involve herself in
the activity with the child to continue to monitor and comfort the child. In
situations where the child is being harmful to oneself, others or the materials,
he is removed from the situation and given time to settle. If it is a group
activity the child will be invited back once he is ready.
- Continuity
The whole school structure provides a foundation for the Montessori program,
and philosophy is implemented through all aspects of the day. All Guides,
Assistants and staff model a Montessori spirit.
Top of Page
|