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Morning Session Includes:
Circle Time
During “circle” we read books, talk about the days of the week and the
weather, we sing songs and the teacher introduces new work that is suitable
for the whole group. We also practice grace and courtesy lessons like
standing up and sitting down properly, walking on the line or greeting
people politely.
Work
Work time is a very special part of our day. The children choose work in any
area of the classroom. They are free to choose as long as they have had a
lesson on the material. The teacher calls children individually for lessons,
being careful not to disturb the concentration of others. The children are
free to work in pairs with certain materials; however, many choose to work
alone. Every day a new art project is introduced to the children during this
time. Snack is available for children to serve themselves at any time
throughout this period.
Circle Time
This “circle” is used as a time to reflect on the experiences that just took
place. This is also a time for stretching, breathing and yoga exercises.
Preparation for Outside
The children usually take approximately 10-15 minutes to pack up their
belongings, use the restroom and get ready to go outside. Older children are
usually found caring for the younger children by zipping up their coats or
tying their shoes. This is a beautiful opportunity to watch the home-like
environment of a multi-age classroom.
Outside Time
Dr. Montessori firmly stressed the importance of a child’s interaction with
nature. LVMA follows her philosophy by providing ample time for the children
to observe nature, tend to a garden, rake leaves, listen to birds, go for
walks or simply play in the sand. It is intriguing to watch the
children interact, solve problems and socialize together in their little
outdoor community.
Dismissal
11:50am
Dismissal is a time of great transition for the child. It should be a calm,
relaxed adjustment from school to home. The teacher usually makes brief,
friendly conversation with the caregivers and politely shakes each child’s
hand. Teachers sometimes enjoy sharing fun stories or anecdotes with the
families at this time, however, in-depth conversations should be saved for
scheduled conferences. |
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Afternoon Session Includes:
Circle Time
During “circle” we read books, talk about the days of the week and the
weather, we sing songs and the teacher introduces new work that is suitable
for the whole group. We also practice grace and courtesy lessons like
standing up and sitting down properly, walking on the line or greeting
people politely.
Work
Work time is a very special part of our day. The children choose work in any
area of the classroom. They are free to choose as long as they have had a
lesson on the material. The teacher calls children individually for lessons,
being careful not to disturb the concentration of others. The children are
free to work in pairs with certain materials; however, many choose to work
alone. Every day a new art project is introduced to the children during this
time. Snack is available for children to serve themselves at any time
throughout this period.
Circle Time
This “circle” is used as a time to reflect on the experiences that just took
place. This is also a time for stretching, breathing and yoga exercises.
Preparation for Outside
The children usually take approximately 10-15 minutes to pack up their
belongings, use the restroom and get ready to go outside. Older children are
usually found caring for the younger children by zipping up their coats or
tying their shoes. This is a beautiful opportunity to watch the home-like
environment of a multi-age classroom.
Outside Time
Dr. Montessori firmly stressed the importance of a child’s interaction with
nature. LVMA follows her philosophy by providing ample time for the children
to observe nature, tend to a garden, rake leaves, listen to birds, go for
walks or simply play in the sand. It is intriguing to watch the
children interact, solve problems and socialize together in their little
outdoor community.
Dismissal
3:50pm
Dismissal is a time of great transition for the child. It should be a calm,
relaxed adjustment from school to home. The teacher usually makes brief,
friendly conversation with the caregivers and politely shakes each child’s
hand. Teachers sometimes enjoy sharing fun stories or anecdotes with the
families at this time, however, in-depth conversations should be saved for
scheduled conferences.
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The Six Steps of a Montessori Classroom
Freedom
Montessori children are free to move about, working alone or with others
at will. They may select any activity and work with it as long as they
wish, so long as they do not disturb anyone or damage anything and they
put it back where it belongs when they are finished.
Structure and Order
The materials are grouped together according to subject and in
presentation order. The materials always stay in the same place,
fulfilling the child’s sense of order. The children are not permitted to
interrupt each other during work time. The structure of the class
schedule is typically the same every day.
Reality in Nature
The children are immersed in reality and free from illusion. They are
first taught to appreciate what is real. The children are surrounded by
nature. They observe and care for plants and animals inside the
classroom.
Beauty and Atmosphere
A Montessori classroom is bright and cheerful. The shelves are light in
color, so that the materials stand out. The room should have a relaxed
atmosphere. Sometimes, music is played quietly.
The Montessori Materials
The materials are arranged in sequence from the most simple to the most
complex and from the most concrete to those that are most abstract. Each
material isolates and teaches one concept, or is used to present one skill
at a time as the child is ready. Because of the steps used to complete
each material, concentration and focus are developed.
Community Life
The children understand that the classroom and the materials belong to
them. They take care of their environment and take responsibility for
it. The multi-age classroom teaches older children patience and empathy,
while younger children experience respect and admiration.
Montessori: The Science behind the Genius
Since Montessori is the fastest growing method of
education today, young people going into the field of education want to learn
about Montessori in their university classes. Until now there has never been a
book well suited to this purpose; professors will relate to the perspective of
another professor, especially one who is knowledgeable in all kinds of education
of children. Students will come to understand more about how we educate children
in traditional education, and why Montessori is so sought after as an
alternative, in both private and public school settings.
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