The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method was established by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago and maintains a focus of the development of the whole child.
Authentic Montessori has several foundational components that support the child’s natural development, encourage independence, and build confidence:
Mixed-Age Groupings
Montessori environment features mixed-aged groupings that allow each child to progress through the comprehensive curriculum at their own pace.
Giving Children a Voice
Montessori education builds upon peaceful and respectful classroom communities where each child has a voice.
Exploring Interests
Opportunities for social development and the ability for the child to follow their own interests make Montessori an attractive educational option for many families.
“The child is both the hope and a promise for mankind.”
— Maria Montessori
Our Curriculum
Village Montessori Academy is an authentic Montessori school. Trained Montessori teachers guide children in the use of genuine Montessori materials.
Practical Life
The welcoming practical life area bridges school to home and builds community while teaching life skills of using tools, preparing food, caring for self and the classroom environment, and being a good steward of the earth. Work in practical life:
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builds attention span and concentration
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fosters independence and self-esteem
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refines gross and fine motor control
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strengthens the hand for writing
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connects to cultural study
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authentically teaches grace and courtesy
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prepares the child for work in all curriculum areas
Sensorial
The sensorial area teaches children to observe using their senses and to use accurate language for naming and describing similarities and differences in size, dimension, shape, form, color, texture, weight, scent, sound, and taste. This sensorial work builds auditory and visual discrimination and critical thinking skills needed in language and math.
Language
The acquisition of language with its component skills is facilitated through the multi-sensory sequential Montessori language curriculum that follows their individual development. In our classrooms, children are immersed in rich, accurate language of all curriculum areas. Children build foundational language skills through:
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Oral language activities that build vocabulary and usage such classification and sequencing
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Direct instruction in and modeling of courteous conversation and polite communication of wants and needs
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Handwriting instruction, proper letter formation, pencil hold
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Writing words with the moveable alphabet
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Structured, sequential, multi-sensory reading instruction
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Grammar lessons and activities beginning with function of words
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Research lessons
Science and Culture Studies
Through the sequential cross-curricular Montessori science and cultural curriculum children learn about their beautiful world. Hands-on science and cultural activities include lessons on botany, zoology, physical science, history, geography, and culture including exploration through food preparation, art, and music.
Math
The Montessori math curriculum with its hands-on multisensory materials make extremely abstract concepts concrete. This serves children both by making math work attractive and engaging and by building a deep understanding of math principles. The Montessori math curriculum includes works in:
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Enumeration
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Linear and skip counting
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The decimal system
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The four operations with quantities of units, tens, hundreds, and thousands
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Equivalency
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Memorization of math facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
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Fractions
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Practical math: clock, measurement, and money
Peace Education
True peace is achieved through community, caring, and communication. Montessori’s beautiful, developmentally appropriate peace curriculum both gives children the tools they need to communicate and work together peacefully and the assurance that they are respected. Grace and courtesy is a part of all lessons in every curriculum area. Authentic opportunities to be of real service to their classroom community and to care for our natural world and its living things grows capable, compassionate, confident children.