"The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to age of six."
-Maria Montessori
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| Preschool and Elementary Building |
Sunshine Montessori Mission Statement
We at Sunshine Montessori understand that the first years of a child's life are foundational in developing self-motivated, life-long learners. We provide a quality educational environment where the child's individual needs are met through hands-on materials, loving relationships and a curriculum that allows the child to develop at their own pace.
What is Montessori Education?
It began in the early 1900's when a lady
named Dr. Maria Montessori used her scientific observations of young children
and their behavior to develop a method of education. She opened "A
Children's House" in 1906 for the children of desperately poor families in
the San Lorenzo slums of Rome. Dr. Montessori's dynamic theories included such
revolutionary premises as:
-Children are to be respected as
different from adults and as individuals who are different from one another.
- Children create themselves through
purposeful activity.
-The most important years for learning
are from birth to age six.
What makes Montessori Education unique?
1. The
"whole child" approach: The primary goal of a Montessori
program is to help each child reach full potential in ALL areas of development.
2. The
"prepared environment": In order for self-directed
learning to take place, the environment must be supportive. This enables the
child to try new things and builds self-confidence.
3. The
Montessori materials: The materials are multi-sensory, sequential
and self-correcting.
4. The teacher: The Montessori teacher
functions as a facilitator of learning. She is a role model, demonstrator,
record-keeper and observer. She respects and loves each child as a unique
individual.
What does Montessori Education look like?
-The classroom works with the principle
of freedom within limits. It is based on the core Montessori beliefs of respect
for each other and the environment.
-Children are free to work at their own
pace. The teacher relies on her observations of the child to determine which
new materials to introduce. Children work for the joy of working and the sense
of discovery. Children are "sponges". Their interest lies in the work
itself rather that the end product.
-The three-year-age span provides a
family-like grouping where learning can take place naturally. More experienced
children share what they know while reinforcing their own learning.
Goals of Montessori Education
-Developing a positive attitude toward
school and learning.
-Helping each child develop
self-confidence through a carefully planned series of successes.
-Assisting each child in building a habit
of concentration through absorbing experiences.
-Fostering an abiding curiosity for
creative learning.
-Developing habits of initiative and
persistence by surrounding the child with appealing materials and learning
activities.
-Fostering inner security and a sense of
order in the child through a well-ordered and enriched environment.
