Why Montessori?
Within the child lies the fate of the future.
The children in a Montessori classroom come to understand that learning is something they do themselves; not something that is acquired from a teacher. The classroom functions with each child working individually to accomplish their own goals, and at the same time, assisting each other to understand the materials they work with on a daily basis. The classroom becomes a true community in which they all work together to attain both group and individual aspirations.
The materials in a Montessori environment are specifically designed to meet the needs of the child at each level of development. All the materials require movement, focus, concentration and are self-correcting. Montessori materials are purposeful activities that are developed for the child to touch, manipulate and organize in order to make distinct impressions in the brain about each concept being discovered.
This method of education creates a child who is joyful and engaged while learning. They understand that they have the ability to learn on their own and they can help others learn as well. As a result, they develop a certain level of self-assurance and self-esteem that allows them to be better socialized and able to solve their own conflicts. These children tend to be courteous, compassionate and respectful in their interactions with others.
Montessori creates in them the idea that if they want to learn something, they have to ability to figure it out; either on their own or by utilizing any resources available to them. The skills they acquire in this carefully prepared environment will help the child to be successful in all aspects of life.
We encourage all families interested in Montessori education in the Toddler and Casa Programs to visit Nelephant for a tour and classroom observation.