Philosophy and Curriculum

What is Montessori and how does MCH interpret the philosophy?

• There are Montessori Schools found in more than 80 countries around the world. While each school may be in a different physical setting, taught in a different language, or embrace different cultures, they all follow the ideas and philosophy of the Italian educator and philosopher, Dr. Maria Montessori. It is an approach to education that has stood the test of time (100 years).
• Dr. Montessori believed that a child's work is to create the person he/she is to be. She believed that each child has within the powers to become the person he/she is meant to be.
• Recognizing the child's natural inclinations, Dr. Montessori developed many exercises and materials to help the child satisfy the needs for meaningful activity and natural curiosities. The goal is not to fill a child with facts from a predetermined course of study, but to develop the child's own natural desire to learn. The aim is to assist the child in developing such a love of learning that education will take place long after the hours spent in the classroom, because the child is motivated from within.
• Montessori recognized that each child is unique and different; therefore, at The Montessori Children's House, we believe in the value of an individual or small group lesson. After a lesson the child is then free to make his/her own work choices. From the individual nature of the lessons, the staff gains as much about the child's learning style in a way that cannot be realized in a large group lesson. Large group lessons are done daily to give the child the experience or working within the whole group. Large group lessons typically include cultural, seasonal, music, movement, etc.
• It is a noncompetitive environment with the child comparing his/her performance to previous work and not the work of others in the classroom. Children of mixed ages and abilities work together, learning from each other and helping a friend when needed. Montessori fits the child; the child does not have to fit Montessori. Therefore, the Montessori Children's House does not interview children prior to enrollment.
• The teacher is the link between the child and the prepared environment. She observes the child to determine the learning style and skills, introduces new materials and offers guidance as needed. "The child is the creator of himself/herself," the adult merely prepares the environment and offers assistance when needed.
• All Montessori schools will have their own understanding and interpretation of the Montessori philosophy. Each reflects the gifts and talents of the staff, its environment, and its culture. Since its inception, the Montessori Children's House has had a commitment to be a small school with staff accessibility creating strong family ties. One of the strengths of MCH and its size is the fact that the primary staff has never changed. Because the staff is unchanged for so many years, there is a natural relationship that occurs between staff and child, staff and family, home and school.
• Children at MCH have the opportunity to truly develop concentration. The full three hours is devoted to a time where children can work individually or in small groups with activities in the environment. They are not pulled out of the classroom for various activities or programs but are allowed to focus on the traditional Montessori curriculum with minimal interruptions; thus leading them to develop an extraordinary ability to concentrate.

The Curriculum

• The Montessori preschool curriculum includes activities from the areas of Everyday Living, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography, Science, and Music.
• Dr. Montessori saw the child as the hope for peace in the future. Therefore, many cultural activities are brought into the classroom to to help celebrate the diversity among us. All major holidays both secular and religious are studied from a historical perspective to help children better understand the celebrations of their neighbors.
• MCH promotes a community awareness as well as a global awareness. Throughout the year, there are opportunities for children and families to support local and global charitable initiatives. Examples: holiday baskets for seniors, socks for orphans in Bulgaria, pencils and equipment for school children in Haiti, children's clothing for needy families, medical supplies for children in Belize.
• Music and American Sign Language are offered at an additional fee.
• MCH is a 100% tuition based school. We have a commitment to keep the tuition as reasonable as possible for all families. Parents will not be solicited for donations to maintain the program. Parents sharing their gifts and expertise to help us in developing new or existing curriculum areas is far more valuable to us.