|
Program
Basic to the Montessori philosophy is the concept that children are motivated from within by a natural curiosity
and love for knowledge. The goal of early childhood education is to cultivate the child's own natural
desire to learn and to develop the potential that lies within each child. This is achieved through a
method of self-education within a "planned environment" using specifically design teaching materials.
Modern research has also reinforced Dr. Montessori's observations that children between the ages of 2-6 years
old pass through various sensitive periods of intense fascination for learning a particular activity or skill.
The Montessori classroom encourages and invites the child to increase his or her learning ability during these
sensitive states according to his or her own will and readiness.
Children acquiring basic skills in this natural way gain an early enthusiasm for learning and an inner personal
dignity or independence.
The Montessori Director is a specially qualified person having intense training in observation of children and
use of the Montessori teaching materials. Through his or her skilled observation of the child's
sensitive
stages of development, he or she guides the child and anticipates his or her needs. His/her task is to
protect the child's right to work without intervening unnecessarily. The Director establishes a mutual regard
between him/herself and the child.
The Montessori school is a "planned environment" where everything is proportioned to the child's size, is
readily accessible, is movable to permit flexible arrangement, and is attractive. The children have the
freedom to choose and work with the materials or activities they can successfully complete. They may work
alone or with others.
The Practical Life Exercises (sweeping, polishing, pouring, etc.) are beginning activities which help
the child develop coordination, a sense of order, concentration, and good working habits. Sensorial Teaching
Materials are self-correcting and are designed to sharpen the senses and to help the child to refine the many
impressions he or she receives. Academic Materials in reading, language, science, arithmetic, geography, and
the creative arts complete the program. Social activities include the snack time, physical exercise, and
game periods.
Both child and parents are interviewed before acceptance into the school- the child to determine his/her
general readiness for and response to the classroom environment; the parents to review with them the
home-school interaction that is central to the Montessori environment and to acquaint them with the programs,
policies and facilities. Early applicants will receive priority in class session placement. All students
are enrolled provisionally. After the child's first six weeks in school, his or her parents will consult
with the Director about the child's reaction to the classroom environment and program.
Greece Montessori enrolls children from the age of 18 months through first grade. Preference normally
is given to children who are under 4 years of age at the time of admission unless they have previously
attended a Montessori school.
Greece Montessori School welcomes children of any race, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin.
|