Early childhood is one of the most influential time periods in a child’s development. The skills and knowledge gained at a young age contribute to success in later years – during elementary school and beyond.
Educators and parents acknowledge that preschool programs teach children valuable social interaction, provide an introduction to language and math and promote exploration and imagination. The Montessori Approach extends the child’s skills with hands on activities in a sequential order that meets the needs of all children in the classroom environment and establishes a foundation for future growth and development.
Why are these skills so important in later years? The Montessori approach to motor development considers the whole body/whole mind. When children begin Montessori education at age 3 or 4, they work on motor-skill activities like scooping, sweeping, polishing silverware and pouring. While these “Practical Life” activities prepare children for greater independence and self-reliance, this area of the classroom also develops the child’s concentration, coordination, and order which are essential life skills.
Montessori materials and activities promote a working memory through the use of movement, and hands on activities. The founder of the Montessori philosophy, Dr. Maria Montessori, stated “The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence. And movement, or physical activity, is thus an essential factor in intellectual growth, which depends upon the impressions received from outside. Through movement we come in contact with external reality, and it is through these contacts that we eventually acquire even abstract ideas”.
The amount of time dedicated each day to exploring activities and materials, called the Montessori work time, is longer than what is typically seen in a traditional preschool.
Montessori work time is uninterrupted; it gives each child more opportunities to develop concentration. This is also a time when a child can practice skills as many times as he/she wants. Eventually the child masters the skill that he/she was working on and is then free to move onto more challenging work within the classroom environment.
What makes Sunrise different from other preschools? Take a moment to observe in the classrooms, and you’ll see something quite remarkable. The children are engaged in activities
and social interactions of their own choice, which is an important part of Montessori education. “Choice encourages a child to make a wholehearted commitment to their work,” notes Karen Roeber, Sunrise’s Director. “When children are motivated by their own interests, deep concentration is a natural result.”
Ready to take that next step? Call Karen Roeber at (508) 541-8010 to set up a personal tour of the classrooms during the school day or stop by during an open house. Sunrise Montessori School is located at 31Hayward St., Franklin and is easily reached via West Central St (Route 140).
Open House events will be held on January 21, 2017 and February 11, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the school’s website for additional information: www.MySunriseMontessori.com
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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