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Montessori is a worldwide education system founded at the beginning of the 1900s that is based upon a lifetime of research by Dr. Maria Montessori. Her
philosophy is based on the natural development of children and their intrinsic
desire to explore, discover, and learn from the world around them.The Montessori education does not end with academics. Dr. Montessori believed
it is equally important to develop a child socially, physically, and emotionally.
Thus, learning to be kind and courteous is as important as learning to count.
Learning to prepare a simple snack and clean-up afterwards is as important as
learning to read and write. Montessori is not just an education, it's an aid
to life.
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The teacher is the facilitator and resource person. She carefully observes the child's behavior and growth, while often suggesting activities and materials that are appropriate for his/her development and interests. The teacher encourages active, self-directed learning and helps the child balance individual mastery with group participation, fostering, social and language skills.
Our teachers are always aware that they serve as role models, setting a positive tone for work, and interpersonal relationships.
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Social & Emotional Skills
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With strong conviction that character development is integral to success in school and life, The Little Red Schoolhouse of Montessori stresses consideration of respect for others as well as a positive awareness to develop moral attitudes based on a clear sense of right and wrong. Cultural and religious events are celebrated as opportunities to learn about different customs and backgrounds. The Montessori program carefully integrates the development of social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination and cognitive preparation.
Program activities foster each child's natural love of learning, emphasizes respect for other children and for the environment. The Little Red Schoolhouse of Montessori is a special place to learn to live and get along with others.
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Cultural lessons are a major part of the education in the Montessori
environment. The children ages 3-6 are in a sensitive period for culture. During
circle time the children are presented lessons in geography - botany - zoology -
history. The children will spontaneously talk about all their experiences. The
other day a child was singing Our World was Made of Land, Air, Water
during the work cycle. The children could be making a continent map, learning
about land forms, the solar system, vertebrate-invertebrate animals, endangered
species etc. We do lots of gardening learning about the root - stem - bulb -
leaf - stem - flower - fruit, the calendar. For birthdays we learn about the
solar walk.
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Prepared Learning Environment
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 In a positive, comfortable setting children try new things and build self-confidence. The orderly and child-centered structure of the classroom encourages children to explore, experiment and accept responsibility for the care of the environment. Mixed-age grouping enables the younger children to observe and learn from the older children which encourages mutual respect and cooperation in one another. This spirit of cooperation and assistance is a fundamental principle of Montessori teachings throughout the school.
Learning areas and materials stimulate a child's curiosity and motivation. We offer a variety of experiences to support each child's changing needs. Our preschool children spend a large portion of each school morning moving freely from one activity to another. The materials are multisensory, sequential, self-correcting, and fun! The Montessori classroom is divided in to four main areas:
Practical Life - Sensorial - Mathematics - Language
 Practical life: Typical activities are pouring, spooning, buttoning, and food preparation. These promote the development of fine motor skills, concentration, and independence.
Sensorial: Activities such as matching, sequencing, exploring two and three dimensional shapes develop concentration, self-confidence and lay the foundations for early math and reading skills.
Mathematics: Activities introduce the child to early math concepts through the use of multi-sensory materials.
Language skills: Activities introduce the child to early languge activities through the use of multi-sensory materials.
Working alone or with others, the children choose their own materials at their own pace. Children learn to trust their ability to make decisions, a factor that figures greatly in the development of self-esteem.
Music, science, and art are also important parts of our program.
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"They [the montessori teacher] will be witness to the unfolding of the human soul and to the rising of a New Man who will not be a victim of events, but will have the clarity of vision to direct and shape the future of human society."
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