Saturday, 13 April 2013

All About Montessori Mississauga Educational Opportunities

By Camille Nicholson


Dr Maria Montessori believed that children were different than adults, not vessels to be filled but motivated doers. She created a hands on learning environment stressing choice, concentration, collaboration, curiosity, and real-world application for lifelong learning. Students in Montessori Mississauga Schools are encouraged to view work as interesting and fulfilling, not something to be avoided.

Children show a natural sense of wonder as they explore the world around them. They want to learn and they want to do. Hands on learning builds on that oft repeated plea of children, "Let me do it myself". The classroom may look chaotic but it's actually quite structured. Students work at assigned workstations for a specific block of time, then on to another workstation and another learning experience.

Research continues to validate the Montessori method. Studies consistently find preschoolers taught with this method are more prepared for kindergarten than children from traditional preschools. Elementary age students test equally well on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The emphasis on cooperation and responsibility develops children with a heightened concern for social justice and fairness.

Preschoolers are taught small concepts, then introduced to the bigger picture. Elementary students are introduced to the big picture in 5 basic lessons. The basic lessons are creation of the universe and earth, development of life and biodiversity, arrival of mankind, development of writing, and development of numbers. More intense instruction follows an understanding of the big picture. The uniqueness of mankind's arrival is emphasized; hands to work, a heart that loves, imagination and creativity.

Research shows that movement enhances learning and problem solving skills, and children who feel a sense of control over their life are more motivated and less prone to depression. In Montessori Mississauga schools, students are offered a variety of good choices to give them a sense of control over their lives. An emphasis on individual progress enhances motivation. Liberty is balanced with structure encouraging children to do the right thing, not just obey rules when someone is watching.

Children of different ages share a classroom and help each other. Co-operation, responsibility, and respect are basic tenets of the program. Practical life skills are emphasized. Students move around the room at different work spaces including tables, floors, and mats They are given large blocks of time to participate in small group lessons and one-on-one presentations. Teachers move among students making suggestions. There are no tests or grades.

Hands on learning and movement between work stations is a teaching style that works well for children with all different learning styles, needs, and abilities. Concentration and advancement are a natural development occurring at a pace that meets the needs of the individual. Elementary school students plan educational goals with the assistance of their teacher. Progress is documented by teacher observations, not tests and grades.

Montessori Mississauga schools are numerous and varied. They include faith based and secular approaches. Most are accredited with the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA). Keep in mind that it's not a trademarked name. Different schools will follow the philosophy more loosely or have a different emphasis.




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