Learning

The Montessori learning environment is much different than traditional public education. Instead of information passing from the teacher to the student, the teacher is skilled in putting the child in touch with activities and teaching tools helping him learn to make intelligent choices and to carry out research in a prepared environment. Keep in mind a triangle: the student, the parent and teacher team, and the environment.

It is the role of the teacher to prepare and re-shuffle the environment to link the child to well-thought-out introductions to books and materials, projects, science, and mathematics which nurture the child's exploration and creativity. The Montessori school environment is arranged according to subject area – life skills, language, science, mathematics, art, geography,

library corner, etc. -- children are free to move around the room to accomplish their daily and optional tasks instead of staying at desks. Throughout the day all subjects -- practical work, math, language, science, history, geography, art, music, etc. -- will be studied, with individualized lessons, record keeping, and help from the teacher.

Classrooms are designed for mixed ages, allowing for both individual and social development. Rooms are open allowing for movement, with work areas throughout the rooms and materials openly displayed and available on accessible shelving. These open classrooms encourage students to become proactive participants in their learning. Most lessons are given to small groups or individual children with extensive use of specialized Montessori materials.