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What does "Montessori" mean?
At the beginning of the 20th century, Italian physician Maria Montessori revolutionized our understanding of the way children learn. In her work with children, she observed that they naturally absorb knowledge and information from the world around them, and are anxious to practice their growing skills. Montessori created a rich curriculum based on her findings. She introduced what are now universally accepted teaching and materials. Techniques such as individualized learning and the use of child-sized furniture and materials.
Is there a curriculum? How do I learn about it?
Every lead teacher at Arbor has received extensive training and is certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Teachers learn a broad curriculum as part of their training; they also learn to keenly observe children and to evaluate individual levels of readiness for lessons. Each Arbor teacher supplements this training yearly through workshops and seminars. We invite and encourage parents to learn about the curriculum by attending Montessori Curriculum Nights held in the fall. Detailed literature is also available in the Arbor office.
Why do Montessori classes have mixed ages?
Mixed age groups naturally reflect family, neighborhood, and work-place environments. In a mixed-age classroom, younger children have the opportunity to learn from older classmates; older children gain confidence from sharing their experience. This interaction fosters independent learning and creates a stimulating classroom atmosphere.
What is the student-teacher ratio? Do Montessori students have too much freedom?
Class size is designed to be large enough to foster independence and an optimal learning environment, but small enough to allow for appropriate guidance and supervision - 2 teachers for 27-30 children. Children in a Montessori classroom choose their own work within guidelines set by the teacher. This framework offers a great deal of freedom, but each freedom has a corresponding responsibility.
How do teachers deal with discipline?
Conflicts arise naturally out of interaction between different people. The balance of freedom and responsibilities found in the Montessori classroom teaches each child to have respect for self, for others, for the classroom, and for the materials. In addition, with guidance from teachers and staff, children at each level at Arbor are taught conflict resolution skills. They begin the life-long process of learning to respect others' opinions and to search for win-win solutions for conflicts.
Why is there no homework before Middle School?
In a Montessori classroom, children develop skills needed to work independently, to organize time, and to use resources effectively. In most schools, the only time left for acquiring these skills after a highly structured school day, is time spent at home doing homework. The Montessori philosophy supports the idea that, when the school day is structured differently, work is completed during school hours so that children can spend their afternoon time in activities with family and friends. These activities can be as important as schoolwork in developing responsibility and independence in children.
Without grades how do children know how they are doing?
Maria Montessori believed that a non-competitive atmosphere for children worked best for optimal learning. Children need a chance to gain mastery with skills before they are exposed to competition. "Never let a child risk failure until he has a reasonable chance of success," she wrote. Self-confidence comes from the recognition of progress in one's own work, rather than from comparison to the work of another.
How will I know how my child is doing?
Twice a year, teachers meet with parents for an in-depth conference. Parents are strongly urged to educate themselves about Montessori philosophy and the curriculum. Parents are also encouraged to schedule visits with their child in the classroom, and to contact teachers with questions or concerns.
Will my child be prepared for the "real world?"
The real world many of us experience as adults can be described as people working together with other people of varying ages and backgrounds, in a productive and cooperative atmosphere. When seen in this light, the Montessori classroom is indeed a very close reflection of the "real world."
Are all Montessori schools the same?
Montessori is not a trademark name and simply refers to the Montessori method of teaching. Though different Montessori schools will share similarities, from a few to many, each school is independent.
Does Arbor provide lunch?
A daily snack is provided in all classrooms during the morning. The All-Day Primary class also provides a light breakfast and a second snack in the afternoon.
Children who stay for a full school day bring their own lunch each day. We encourage parents to involve the child in the process of shopping, preparing, and packing a healthy meal void of sugary treats and drinks. Very young children will be eager to help and with practice, will be ready to take over this "task" during the elementary years.
Does Arbor provide supplies?
At the Primary and Lower Elementary levels lessons are taught on an array of beautiful Montessori materials. These are provided by and remain in the classroom. At the Upper Elementary and Middle School levels all books are provided by the school and parents are asked to purchase minimal supplies such as notebooks and pencils.
How do I learn more?
The best way to learn about Montessori education is to visit our school and to ask questions. In addition to reading this brief overview, we all prospective families to sign up for a tour of Arbor. Current parents are encouraged to attend Arbor's Parent Education sessions, to talk with their child's teacher and other Arbor staff, and to read the more in-depth literature available in the Arbor office.
