Weymouth Montessori Preschool

This system of education is both a philosophy of child growth and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the childs developmental needs for freedom within limits and a carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences through which to develop intelligence as well as physical and psychological abilities. It is designed to take full advantage of the self-motivation and unique ability of children to develop their own capabilities. The child needs adults to introduce her to the possibilities of her life, but the child herself must direct her response to those opportunities.

Children of mixed ages and abilities work together in a Montessori classroom. Multi-aged grouping permits individual development, encourages a sense of community and cooperation thus creating a noncompetitive atmosphere. the child may choose whatever activity suits his particular stage of development; he progresses from this point, at this own pace, in his own pattern. Children may work at a task uninterrupted for as long as they wish, provided they do not disturb others. the children may work alone or in large and small groups. While they are not required to work together, the noncompetitive atmosphere of the class encourages easy relationships.

The teacher works with individual children, introducing materials and giving guidance where needed. His/her primary task is careful observation of each child in order to determine the childs needs and to gain the knowledge he/she needs in preparing the environment to aid the childs growth. His/her method of teaching is indirect in that he/she neither imposes on the child nor abandons the child. Rather, the teacher takes cues from the child, providing appropriate challenges when the child indicates she is ready. Thus the child is successful at her tasks without frustration or feelings of inability due to failure.

The Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared environment containing materials that mirror the childs social and cultural environment in which they live. Children use materials to learn care of themselves (i.e. dressing, buttoning, zipping and handwashing). They learn to care for their environment (gardening, polishing and cleanliness of the classroom). In particular, the children learn respect for each other (how to interrupt, politeness and regard for their peers). The Montessori materials are generally made from wood or other natural substances. The materials are orderly, self-correcting, and stimulating to allow the child to explore with all his senses.