Welcome!

...helping children discover their world and their potential
Private Montessori School in Thomaston for children 3-6 years old

• Brochure
• Application
• Fee Schedule

WHY CHOOSE MONTESSORI? WHAT IS IT? CAN I DO IT?
Three to six year olds possess what Dr. Maria Montessori called an "absorbent" mind, with the ability to soak up every aspect of their physical world, language and culture. They also develop an amazing capacity to focus.

A Montessori education incorporates tasks that encourage young children to fine tune their senses, develop language and mathematic skills and respect the global human family.

Call for more information @ 706 646 5352
or
bsmontessorischool@gmail.com

OPEN ENROLLMENT!

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Key Montessori Concepts:

• Becoming a World Citizen
• Cultivating an Independent Learning
• Wonder and Discovery
• The Montessori Approach
• Key Differences Between Montessori & Traditional Education
• What Makes Montessori Education Unique

Becoming a Citizen of the World

Children learn in a way that is respectful of their own uniqueness as well as the uniqueness of others. This teaches them to be responsible for their own actions as well as the welfare of their learning community. Children discover....
• that there is more to life than my
senses tell me.
• that we must pause to appreciate the
wonder of the universe.
• a deep reverence for our world and
its inhabitants.
• that life is filled with meaning.
• the courage to voice their inner con
victions and live by them.
• the ability to rise above self interests
for the good of humanity.
• how to cherish silence and peace.
• ways to strive for peace in their
relationships and the world

Cultivating Independent Learning

Children are introduced to rich experiences in daily living skills, language, math, science and cultural studies. The structured environment includes carefully sequenced materials which enable children to learn through concrete experiences.

Wonder and Discovery

A Montessori classroom engages children in interactive learning in a carefully prepared setting.
In a mixed age group class, children are given lessons with materials designed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Then children choose their work, making their own discoveries about language, mathematics, geography, geometry, art and practical life.

The highly social atmosphere of this setting stems from a unique combination of freedom and structure founded upon respect. A Montessori education fosters the fullest development of a child’s potential and establishes the framework for joy-filled and successful learning.

The Montessori Approach

Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, observed in her medical practice how children learn—particularly from their environment.

She found that...
• We are all motivated by a natural curiosity and love of learning.
• Teachers should cultivate a student’s natural desire to learn.

Because of her influence and educational discoveries, Montessori teachers are...
• Child advocates who respect each child’s individuality.
• Facilitators who strive to educate the whole child.

Montessori classrooms are...
• Purposefully prepared environments.
• Learner centered.
• Developmentally appropriate.
• Equipped with self-correcting materials meant to engage young learners.

In a Montessori setting children are encouraged to...
• Explore and discover.
• Work independently at their own pace.
• Develop a sense of mastery and acomplishment.

Images from Invite a Friend Day!

Key Differences Between Montessori & Traditional Education

Montessori Approach:
- Emphasis is on cognitive development
- Teacher has unobtrusive role in the room
- Environment & method encourage self-discipline
- Mainly individual instruction; mixed age groupings
- Mixed age grouping encourages children to teach and help one another
- Child chooses his/her own work
- Child discovers own concepts from self teaching materials

- Child works as long as he/she wishes on chosen project

- Child sets own learning pace
- Child spots errors in feedback from material
- Child reinforces own learning by repetition
of work and internal feelings of success

Traditional Approach:
- Emphasis is on social development
- Teacher is the center of room as "controller"
- Teacher acts as primary enforcer of discipline
- Mainly group instruction; same age grouping
- Most teaching is done by the teacher
- Curriculum is structured for child
- Child is guided to concepts by teacher
- Child is generally allotted specific time for work
- Instruction pace is set by group norm
- If work is corrected, errors usually pointed out by the teacher
- Learning is reinforced externally by required repetition, rewards and punishments
- Child usually assigned own chair, required to participate, sit and listen during group time

What Makes a Montessori Education Unique?

Here are some reasons...

- Learning materials are designed to enhance the 5 senses and build intelligence.
- Children learn by exploring/discovering using hands-on manipulatives.
- Trained teachers meet the developmental needs of each age level.
- Children work in a family setting of mixed ages learning responsibility and respect for one another.
- Individualized learning allows students to progress at their own pace.
- Positive reinforcement, support and encouragement is top priority.
- A strong foundation of self-esteem is built as child succeeds through work.

School Brochure

The Absorbent Mind
The child asks, “What is it? Can I do it?” 3-6 year olds possess what Dr. Maria Montessori called an “absorbent mind”, with the ability to soak up every aspect of their physical world, language and culture. They also develop an amazing capacity to focus. A Montessori education incorporates tasks that encourage young children to fine tune their senses, develop language and mathematic skills and respect the global human family.

Fee Schedule for 2009-2010

Tuition Plan:
- $80.00 per week (12 months payment schedule)
- $95.00 per week (10 months payment schedule)

Method of Payment:
- 12 month payment schedule - pay $80.00 on Monday of each week, beginning August 1, 2009.
- 10 month payment schedule - pay $95.00 on Monday of each week, beginning August 1, 2009.

Discount:
If more than one child is enrolled at the same time, a 20% discount is offered for the second child’s tuition.

Application Form 2009-2010

We have open enrollment for children aged 3-6 years. Please fill the form and turn it in to Gaye Haralu. You may reach her at bsmontessorischool@gmail.com

INVITE A FRIEND DAY!

Visit our school for a day!
Parents are welcome to stay or leave your child with us for the morning

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Your 3-5 year old child may come and explore Math through our wide array of manipulatives; Language through our tactile letters and object lessons; Geography through our globes, puzzle maps and landform trays; Science through our live creatures, outdoor garden and puzzles; enhance their senses through our sound cylinders, geometric solids, cylinder blocks and other sensorial materials; and work on practical life skills such as pouring, grating, basting, sewing, etc. We can fill a day with all kinds of learning!

Prior reservation is required by March 18 (Wednesday)!

You may reverve a spot by sending an email to gayeharalu@gmail.com

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Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
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706-646-5352 or 706-656-2556

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Our address is 217 Barnesville Street, Thomaston

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