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This is a Family Support Programme assisting to lay a
foundation for the child and adults in Montessori Education.
Welcome to Montessori
This is an opportunity for you to enjoy some
special time with your child to assist their development. This approach
involves discussion and observation. As you learn a little more each
week, you will be able to observe how your child is growing and changing
with additional knowledge and respect. Sometimes you will be doing
things with your child and other times you will be in the background
observing them. Either way this is time to enjoy the peace away from the
pressures of the rest of the day, and to be together with other parents
and children building a foundation in Montessori education. Dr Maria
Montessori called her method "Education for Life"
The Prepared Environment
The rooms that we meet in are "prepared
environments". The activities meet the developmental needs of the age
range. This means that each activity is specially chosen to appeal to
the children for the building of their psycho-sensory-motor development
and language skills. We also prepare for your child's growing
independence, self-esteem, confidence and concentration span.
Guidelines for Parent Interaction
Greeting: We greet each other with a hand
shake.
Name Tag: Make a name tag for yourself and
your child.
Observe: Allow your child to explore the
rooms and observe them as they make their own choice. Your child decides
what activity they need.
Follow your child: All materials are free
for your child to explore and work with, at any time for as long as they
wish. Freedom to choose is fundamental in Montessori. In this way the
child will show you how they are developing. Making choices builds their
independence and self esteem "I can do it myself. Repetition is part of
this process.
Discussion: There is time made to contribute
to discussion and ask questions.
Song Time: In the last ten minutes of the
session we will share a few songs and poems. It is assisting the child
to understand that the session is about to end and it is also fun, a
chance to come together and share the experience of music and movement.
Farewell: We farewell each other with a hand
shake.
Guidelines for Adults:
- Sit (rather than stand)
wherever possible
- Observe all the children as
well as your own
- Let your child choose his/her
own activities
- Refrain from assisting -
allow your child to do everything for themselves
- Keep adult noise down. Use a
low tone of voice.
- Please contribute to the
discussion topic - your experience and knowledge is respected.
- Enjoy gaining a greater
understanding of "How children Learn"
- Be open to extra ideas on
what you can do in your home to assist your child in their
development.
The Prepared Environment
The room has been set up in preparation for the
very young child (0-3) years. This means that all the equipment and
activities are there for the children of this age, for their development
and for them to enjoy. Through our observation we will learn more from
the child. The activities are on low shelves so the child can access
them. The room is generally the same each week to give consistency and
respect for the child's love of order. If activities are put away in the
same order, then children soon learn where things belong and you will
too. Here we introduce the concept of working on a floor mat or at a
table. We are working together, respectfully, as a small community.
The activities can also be applied to the prepared
environment of the home.
There are many different aspects of the child's development that we
will consider in our approach and gain a better understanding of the
child.
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