Qualities of An Authentic Montessori School
Mixed Age Classroom
Instead of the traditional approach of grouping students together by age and grade, an authentic Montessori school embraces the value of a mixed-age classroom. This strategy helps children learn to lead and follow, developing leadership skills and learning from each other. This fosters a sense of responsibility, confidence, and self-esteem in children as they lead. And younger children benefit as they strive to achieve the goals they see their peers achieving. All ages benefit from working together with fellow students who have mastered concepts they are still working on.
A Prepared Environment
In an authentic Montessori school the classroom environment is carefully prepared to facilitate independent learning and exploration. This concept means the Montessori classroom is structured and ordered, but underpinned with a high degree of flexibility so that the child has the freedom to move, choose their own activities, interact with other students or learn without interference, and be inspired by the materials provided. This independence improves cognitive skills and the Montessori teachers act as a support to build confidence and security. Every item in a Montessori school is deliberately present to maximize learning opportunities.
A Connection With Nature
The Montessori method emphasizes a connection with nature as a way to enrich social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. An authentic Montessori school will incorporate regular interactions with nature inside the classroom through the exploration of plant and animal life, and outside the classroom through time spent outdoors. This connection to nature and the importance of living in harmony with it helps children understand that they are part of a living and breathing universe and fosters a sense of responsibility to our planet and each other for life.
A Community Of Support
The concept of community is key to an authentic Montessori school. Students learn about their role in their classroom community, their community at home, the greater communities of their city and country, and the international community. The emphasis on community is part of a strategy to help your child develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-control, learn cooperative social skills, and to become a good global citizen.
Individualized Learning
An authentic Montessori school recognizes the value of a methodology that supports each child’s unique skills and development. Montessori education is not meant to be a one-size-fits-all approach. Montessori educators will facilitate child-led learning and foster self-directed mastery of skills on a timeline determined by each child. An authentic Montessori school will adapt to your child instead of expecting your child to conform to a strict curriculum.
Set Your Child Up For Success With An Authentic
Montessori School
Choice in preschool programming is a wonderful thing. Choosing a preschool that aligns with your values, your child’s unique needs, and the goals you have for your child’s first school years will give your little one the best opportunity to find success and happiness in a learning environment. If you believe that a Montessori preschool is the ideal place to begin your child’s lifelong journey of learning and development, ensure that the program you choose has the qualities of an authentic Montessori school.
If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a Grey Matter Montessori education for your preschool-aged or kindergarten-aged child, contact us to book a time for a school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori preschool programming at 587-707-4739.
FAQ
Q: Does my child really need to attend preschool?
A: We believe every child can benefit from attending a quality preschool program. To learn more about the value of a Montessori preschool education read more here.
Q: Is there a checklist of things my child must know before attending preschool?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori in Calgary, we value the differences that make each child unique. If your child is aged 3-6 they may be ready to begin to explore learning and we are ready to facilitate it. Learn more about exploring your child’s readiness for preschool here.
Q: When do you accept registration?
A: Grey Matter Montessori has ongoing registration and even offers advanced registrations (up to two years). Contact our office for more information on the upcoming school year and register as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired days and times.
