The preschool classes
provide a stimulating, varied program designed to maximize
a child’s natural inclination to learn. Many new observers of Montessori
Classrooms are surprised to see small children, 3, 4 and 5 years old, “working”.
They’ll see children who are familiar with the world globe and with
continents and oceans, who understand and enjoy numerical concepts by using
beads to explore units, tens, hundreds, thousands, and who can build words
with moveable letters.
The atmosphere in our preschool classrooms is calm, purposeful, and industrious.
The children work alone or in groups of two or three, exploring a concept,
pursuing
an answer, accepting a challenge.
This program includes the kindergarten year.
Our country location is ideal for meeting
the needs of the elementary-age child.
We emphasize the values of independence, cooperation, and self-discipline.
Education is more than learning factual information. It is the ability to
concentrate,
to read and write fluently, to research confidently, to complete projects
on time,
and to work productively, both individually and in a group.
The elementary program expands on the basic belief that “the brain is handmade”. In these grades we continue the emphasis on manipulatives, especially with the introduction of new and difficult concepts. At this level, students can write and represent their thoughts in abstract form, so much more writing accompanies the use of the manipulatives.
The upper elementary grades are a unique time in the life of a child, in many ways the last true stage of childhood. This is a wonderfully creative time when children can accept and enjoy many new challenges. Their hunger to know more about their world and their newly developing linguistic abilities make this the perfect time to greatly expand their research skills as they now have the ability to reflect abstractly on the meaning of what they read.
The 6th grade culminates in each student
presenting to the school community
a research project they have worked on throughout the year.
707-763-9222 montessoripetaluma@earthlink.net
