WHY MONTESSORI?
The Montessori Method is a scientific pedagogy which centers self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play in the education process.
Developed in Italy in the early 1900s, the method is based on Dr Maria Montessori’s scientific observations of children’s tendencies during development. She found naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment.
The methods she developed, known as scientific pedagogy, allow children to flourish in a prepared environment where they can freely explore activities that optimize independent psychological development.
Maria Montessori recognized that young children absorb knowledge with more faculty than do older children. For that reason, children are enrolled at Sunnyside as early as age 2½ and may be 6 years of age upon graduation. The final year of the Montessori program is equivalent to kindergarten in the public and parochial schools.
WHAT MAKES MONTESSORI DIFFERENT?
Montessori classrooms have a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. This allows teachers more one-on-one time to focus on each child and encourage individual learning styles.
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Children have the freedom to choose their own activities and work depending on their interests. This is paramount to the Montessori Method as it instills independent learning habits the child will benefit from their whole lives.
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Each child moves at their own pace according to mental, emotional and physical needs. Time for creative expression allows children to grow as individuals by developing feelings of self-worth and inner security.
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Equally important is challenging the child beyond their present functioning to realize their full potential. Each child is nurtured, loved and cherished as the amazing, unique person they are.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum at Sunnyside Montessori includes instruction and exercises in Christian values, Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Art and Music.
MATHEMATICS
LANGUAGE ARTS
GEOGRAPHY
In the Montessori classroom each child chooses their own work activities and are encouraged to work independently. This is integral to the Montessori method as it fosters independence and autonomy.
Specialized, Montessori-designed materials stimulate self-teaching and introduce the child to abstract concepts in accessible ways. Work materials are kept in an orderly manner and have a fixed place in the classroom. After work or play, children must replace their materials so that others know where to find them, emphasizing the values of sharing and orderliness.
Additionally, every part of the school day has been designed to teach lessons on soft skills such as sharing, patience and manners.
NATURE
ART
MUSIC
LUNCH & SNACKS
Hot lunch and morning/afternoon snacks are prepared every day in the kitchen at Sunnyside Montessori. Lunchtime presents another opportunity for self-instruction and independence as well as experience in proper social interaction. The children serve themselves from a specially designed food cart, which helps develop self-reliance and coordination skills.
The best way to experience this immersive learning environment is to see it for yourself. To schedule a visit please contact 503-698-4203
