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WHY CHOOSE MONTESSORI?

Maria Montessori was clearly ahead of her time in her profound understanding of the nature of children – and in what children need to support their development and life long love of learning.

Montessori was prescient in describing children from the age of birth to six as having an “absorbent mind”. Science now confirms that during these years the brain’s neural circuits are expanding exponentially, forming the bulk of an individual’s capacity. Based on Montessori’s groundbreaking work, we now recognize that children, from a very early age, can be supported to develop what today’s researchers are calling essential 21st century skills: independence, focus, creativity, critical thinking, the capacity to frame and ask questions, and resilience in the face of challenge.

Montessori, a scholar in biology, psychiatry, anthropology and medicine (M.D, Rome, 1896) built her a system of education on the child’s natural curiosity, desire for movement, sensory stimulation and independence. Contrary to tradition, but inspired by children’s innate capabilities she provided children with the opportunity to be active, as opposed to rote learners. She created materials that were not only attractive and engaging; the materials themselves provided instant feedback. Children could self-correct without adult assistance …strengthening individual agency and self-esteem.

Additionally, she recognized that individual children learn in distinctive ways and develop along singular timeframes. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” in Montessori. The Guide’s (teacher’s) responsibility for helping each child achieve key milestones is to have an intimate understanding of how each child learns and is progressing through the highly structured Montessori curriculum.

MONTESSORI RESOURCES

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MONTESSORI AT WILLIAMSBURG MONTESSORI IS:

  • Icosn Child Centered Prepared Classrooms.
  • Icosn Focus on the Whole Child – Intellectual, Physical and Social Emotional Growth.
  • Icosn Respect for the Child’s Uniqueness and Capabilities.
  • Icosn Three Period Presentations of Materials.
  • Icosn Children’s Activity at School is Called Work.
  • Icosn Long Uninterrupted Work Periods
  • Icosn Montessori Trained Guides (teachers) Who Carefully Support Progress By Following the Child and Designing Appropriate Next Steps
  • Icosn Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Sequences for Each Age Level That Meet or Exceed State Standards
  • Icosn Mixed Age Groupings in Childrens House and Elementary Programs
  • Icosn Strong Structured Curriculum Which Meets Or Exceeds New York State Standards
  • Icosn Children’s Activity And Progress Is Easily Accessible and Tracked Through Our Curriculum App

Williamsburg Montessori is committed to the principles and practices of diversity.
We welcome students, families and staff of any race, color, sexual orientation national or ethnic origin.
We promise to treat all applicants equally in the administration of our admissions, educational and hiring practices.

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