What is the Montessori Method?
What's the best age to start a child in Montessori?
Do you have a kindergarten program?
Why do preschool children come 5 days a week?
How hard is it to transition a child from Montessori to a traditional school program?
Are Montessori children successful later in life?
What is the Montessori Method?
Montessori is not a protected name, so the Montessori philosophy can be used in many different interpretations and settings. This makes the teacher training and the school affiliations greatly important.
Dr. Montessori believed that every child learns individually and should be encouraged to work at his or her own pace. The Montessori Method allows children to discover and learn from their own experiences and is based on principles including observation, order, construction and independence in the prepared environment. In a Montessori classroom, teachers observe children as they work, quietly offer guidance and prepare them for their next activity when it’s time to do so. The classroom is designed so that a child can access the Montessori materials easily, freely selecting and replacing them without the need of adult assistance.
What's the best age to start a child in Montessori?
In the Preschool, 2 ½ to 3 ½ years of age
Is this a year round program?
No. We offer a 10-month program, beginning in September and continuing through the end of June. However, we do offer a summer camp if enough students enroll.
Do you have a kindergarten program?
Classes at Nanaimo Montessori are in a three- year cycle in order to best follow the child’s development. The traditional ‘kindergarten’ would be the vitally important third and final (master) year of the Children’s House community. The following year would be the first year of the Level One Elementary cycle.
Why do preschool children come 5 days a week?
Early childhood specialists all agree that young children thrive in a secure, consistent environment with a steady routine. Young children adjust very well to this schedule and bond most easily with their teachers and peers when they have several consecutive days in their new community. The steady rhythm of coming to their school helps create a very positive attitude towards "school" and their activities there. It also gives the children a strong feeling of belonging to a community that they help create, and of which they are valued and respected members. They can count on seeing their friends on a regular basis.
How hard is it to transition a child from Montessori to a traditional school program?
Our children do best remaining in the Montessori program through middle school. However, the characteristics and skills that children develop in a Montessori community will stay with them for life and will carry them into a new environment with strength of character and confidence.
Are Montessori children successful later in life?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations. For further information, read this report to AMI/USA.
Is there space available?
We have limited availability for Fall 2007 and beyond. Please contact the school for more information. In general, the school prefers to admit children at age three. Older students will only be considered on an individual basis as space allows with preference given to students with previous Montessori experience. The school also takes into consideration indications that the Montessori experience is a preferred method of instruction for the family and the student.
May I come and visit?
We welcome visitors. In fact, we require that parents observe one of the classrooms before registering their child in our program. If you are interested in an observation or a tour please call (250) 753-0649.
Nanaimo Montessori also has two open houses each year. Please phone for more details.