I remember all the feelings I had when it came time to put my son in preschool. He’d been home with me for almost 4 years at that time. And though I felt like he was ready to start school, I wrestled with many common questions and concerns. Would he like school, and thrive in his classroom environment? Would he be challenged in a way that would boost his confidence? What about his teacher? Would he or she recognize and fuel his natural curiosity? And most importantly, would his first school experience spark a lifelong love of learning? Choosing a school for your child(ren) is such a big decision, right?! Especially when there are so many options to choose from.
As you think about educational options for your pre-schooler, let me encourage you to consider Montessori Children’s House.
The Montessori Method
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician and educator. She strongly believed in empowering children to learn by following their natural curiosity. Her method dramatically changed the teacher-centered educational system by shifting the focus to a student-centered approach to learning. Montessori education is specific to individual interests, needs, and developmental progress while focusing on academics and life skills. It’s a wonderful marriage of experiential learning and academic achievement within a nurturing environment. At Montessori Children’s House, they accomplish all of these goals through hands-on learning activities that make academic lessons come to life!
My Montessori Experience
The Montessori philosophy is a new one for me. Somewhere along the way, I picked up images of children working on their own with baskets or trays. But parents with children in Montessori programs rave about them. After touring the school and learning more about the unique features of Montessori education, I understand why.
Rather than placing students into “grade levels” based on their ages, children are grouped by developmental ranges.
Each classroom is spacious, organized, and peaceful. They also reflect the key concepts of Montessori education. The Acorn Room is for toddlers roughly 18 months-3 years old. It’s a sensory-rich space designed for the development of speech and language skills. There is also a focus on strengthening fine and gross motor skills. Life skills activities prepare students for reading and writing and give them the confidence to try and master new skills. Teachers’ roles are to act as guides as they work with students one-on-one. The adaptable curricula adjust to students’ individual needs instead of abstract, fixed curricula being imposed on them. This environment encourages young children to pace themselves and honors each student’s work pace within the classroom.
Next, we saw The Willow Room for students 3-6 years of age. It’s a stimulating and peaceful environment that is a joy to enter into. Students in this classroom demonstrate self-made self-esteem while they confidently work on their lessons. At this “grade level,” students engage in hands-on academic learning. Their subjects include math, science, language arts, geography, art, music, and movement. Spanish classes are part of the daily curriculum as well, with the goal of helping students become global citizens. Children in this classroom display a love of learning and enjoy a variety of educational challenges.
It’s really impressive.
The last room we toured was The Nest, a learning space designed for infants 12-18 months of age. Their prepared environment allows the youngest students to explore and engage with their environment using natural materials. Their lessons are active vs. passive and allow for self-discovery rather than passive listening and memorization. Just like the children in the more advanced developmental ranges they, too, are given time to learn and master new concepts and skills.
Experience Montessori Children’s House For Yourself
Because Montessori Children’s House offers ongoing enrollment, you don’t have to wait to enroll your child at specific times during the year. Now is the perfect time to schedule a tour to learn more and experience the lovely learning environment that my daughter and I didn’t want to leave! Learn more about their admissions process and schedule a tour today. You’ll discover why families from all over South Florida are willing to make the drive to this wonderful gem of a school.
If you want a more hands-on introduction to Montessori schooling, Montessori Children’s House also offers a summer program! Quest will offer your child STEM activities, sensory exploration, arts & culture, sports & movement, music, Spanish immersion, theater, cooking, and much more. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the beauty that is a Montessori education and expand your child’s learning potential.
For more information, be sure to follow Montessori Children’s House on Facebook and Instagram. Let them know you heard about Montessori Children’s House on Miami Moms Blog and spread the word to your family and friends!
