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Most Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Mountainside Montessori School?
Mountainside Montessori School is a preschool and kindergarten for
children ages 18 months to 6 years, dedicated to providing a loving,
nurturing environment to aid in the development of the whole child. We
follow the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our morning
programs runs from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM for children under the age of 5.
An extended day program continues into the afternoon until 2:30 PM for
our kindergarten students. We offer afternoon care for our younger
children from noon to 2:30 PM as well. A before school program is
available from 7:30 AM.
What does "Montessori" mean?
The Montessori Method is named for Dr. Maria Montessori, the first
woman doctor in Italy, who devoted her adult life to the observation
and study of children. Rather than "teaching" a child concepts, the
Montessori environment is designed to stimulate the child's interest
and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities with little or
no adult intervention. In this environment the child can unfold
spontaneously and manifest the greater person within. According to
Maria Montessori, "the child is the father of the man." The child
begins to develop within himself the foundations for a lifetime of
creative learning: thirst for learning, favorable attitudes toward
school, and habits of concentration, initiative, order, and
persistence.
What is the difference between day care, nursery school, and preschool?
Day care centers are generally for the purpose of caring for children
on an all-day basis. Nursery schools are generally experiences in
socialization and play. Preschools are oriented toward educational
experiences combined with socialization and play.
How is a Montessori preschool different from other preschools?
In most preschools the children are taught educational concepts in a
group by a teacher. In a Montessori preschool the children learn
concepts spontaneously as they work independently with the many
materials in the environment.
Why should I send my child to preschool?
Most educators and psychologists today agree that the single most
important period in the development of a person's intelligence occurs
between birth and age five. A child's mind is extremely absorbent and
his curiosity is at a peak during these early years. When properly
nourished and stimulated, the child's mind forms patterns for learning
that serve him well throughout his life. The Montessori system of
preschool education has proven to be one of the most effective methods
to guide a child through these critical years.
What is in a Montessori classroom?
The Montessori classroom is a child-sized world. Whatever is in the
world outside can be incorporated meaningfully in the Montessori
classroom. To a child, the world is overwhelming--it is big, complex,
and confusing. By careful selection of materials by the teacher, an
environment is set up that allows the child a place to explore life on
a level he can understand. The materials or exercises are designed to
stimulate independent exploration. This prepared environment entices
the child to proceed at his own pace from simple activities to more
complex ones. Through this process, the child's natural curiosity is
satisfied and he begins to experience the joy of discovering the world
around him.
What is a typical day in a Montessori classroom?
Children come into the school, greet the teachers, hang up their coats,
and begin their day. They move about the classroom from activity to
activity, unrolling a small rug for work on the floor or sitting at a
table, talking or working with a friend or choosing to work alone,
sitting back to observe as they wish. Each child manipulates materials
of interest to him, receives lessons from the teacher on new material,
shares snack with a friend, and so forth. The materials in the
classrooms are grouped into the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial,
Math, Language, Art, Science, Geography, and Cultural. Toward the end
of the morning, the children gather in a circle to hear a story read
aloud, share news, sing songs, and recite poems. The final half-hour of
each morning is spent at outside play, weather permitting.
After outside play, the Extended Day program continues with lunch,
followed by another period of work. Some group quests are made in the
afternoon, with all the children exploring a certain art form,
collaborating on a session of storytelling or dramatization, or delving
into a science experiment. Individual pursuits also continue at a pace
established by each child for himself. Extended Day concludes with
another circle for a review of the day and a story before outside play.
How do children interact in the environment?
As the children develop their sense of pride in their work, a feeling
of confidence, well-being, and joy begins to manifest itself in each
child. A general spirit of respect and cooperation among the children
emerges.
What is the role of the Montessori teacher?
The Montessori teacher facilitates classroom activity. She carefully
plans the environment in the interests of the children, and she helps
children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to deal
with each child individually, allowing him to choose from many
activities within his range of ability. She stands back while the child
is working and allows him the satisfaction of his own discovery.
With all the freedom, isn't there confusion?
The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A
child is allowed to work freely so long as he does not disturb others.
Actually, children having the freedom to follow their interests are
generally happy and busily involved in their work.
What is the best age to enroll a child in Montessori?
We offer programs for children from birth to age 6. Mountainside
Mornings provide a wonderful opportunity for parent-child exploration
and education. Our toddler program continues to nurture the children
under the age of 3 years old. Between the ages of 2-1/2 to 3-1/2, a
“sensitive period” for order begins to emerge. This is the
best time to enroll a child in our primary program, as they are ready
to begin to thrive in that environment.
How do Montessori children adjust to public schools?
Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally very
flexible and adjust quite easily to the public school situation. They
generally spend their time in productive ways because of their
self-direction and positive attitude toward learning. Montessori
children are quite adaptable since they have learned to work on their
own without constant supervision.
Why does Mountainside only offer four- or five-day Montessori experiences?
A child who attends school for consecutive days each week will have the
greatest opportunity for smooth spontaneously learning. A child taken
in and out of school frequently does not have the same opportunity and
consistency to pursue his unfolding interests. Our classrooms become
true communities with every child present every day. Our toddler
program meets Monday through Thursday mornings; our primary program
meets Monday through Friday.
What about socialization and group work?
Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori Method. In the
classroom you'll notice children interacting continuously, choosing to
work on projects together, and older children helping younger ones.
Each day there is some group activity and outside play.
Who is the Montessori Method designed for?
The Montessori Method is an "approach to learning" and as such has no
distinction of class or intelligence. It has been used successfully in
all parts of the world and in all types of programs, including Head
Start, gifted and talented, special needs, etc.
Is Montessori expensive?
Montessori preschools have extensive materials, an encompassing
environment, and trained staff. These elements can sometimes cause
tuition in Montessori schools to be higher than other preschools.
Mountainside Montessori presently has lower tuition than many other
preschools in the area, but tuition is higher than at play schools or
nursery schools. Montessori school tuition generally costs 60 to 70% of
preparatory schools in its area. Mountainside tuition is less than
that.
To give your child the finest possible experience in his most sensitive
years is to give him a strong foundation throughout his life. Many
educators believe it is wiser to invest in a child's preschool
education than his college education. The child who enjoys learning and
becomes self-directed at the critical preschool age will benefit
throughout all his years of learning.
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