WHY MONTESSORI?
Many parents have heard about Montessori Schools, but may not know what makes a Montessori education unique and beneficial for children. At Country Day Schools Tampa Bay, we firmly believe that the Montessori method of education is the best foundation for students to become high-achieving, well-rounded individuals and lifelong learners.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING THROUGH EXPLORATION
Montessori curriculum allows students to learn through hands-on exploration. The teacher acts as a guide, and students learn by using materials designed to teach abstract concepts in a concrete way. For example, Montessori students use the Colored Bead Stairs and Golden Bead Materials to visually represent the quantity of a number and how those numbers interact with
each other.
CORE ELEMENTS OF A
MONTESSORI EDUCATION
MULTI-AGE CLASSROOMS
The Montessori education environment includes multi-aged student groups, organized by developmental stage. The multi-year sequence is a key facet of Montessori, as the approach focuses on the development of the whole child. Children learn organically from their older peers and become role models and guides to those younger. The classroom structure fosters academic, social, emotional and physical growth in each child.
UNINTERRUPTED
WORK CYCLE
To support each child’s individual learning process and development of concentration, students are given 2-3 hour uninterrupted work cycles every day. Teachers guide student learning as they work with the materials to master concepts and skills. The extended work cycle not only promotes student choice and independence, but offers the flexibility for children to master concepts at their own pace, working more slowly if needed or delving deeper into concepts.
CLASSROOM DESIGNED FOR CHILD-DIRECTED WORK
The Montessori classroom is designed with precise intention to foster curiosity and drive independent learning. Materials are kept at eye-level so students can gravitate toward learning tools that pique their interests. Working on floor mats allows students to engage more organically with materials to discover and learn.
TRAINED MONTESSORI TEACHERS
Montessori teachers, or guides, are trained to help a child be successful in the Montessori environment.They are tuned to the needs of their students; they provide support for students who need more time choosing or connecting with a learning activity and encourage the immediately-engaged students to continue their “work.” The role of the guide promotes child independence in learning, a key skill for student success in middle, high school and college. This allows more time for discovery, personal connections, questions and exploring additional aspects of the work they enjoy.
BENEFITS OF A MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Individualized learning
Attention to a child’s social-emotional well-being
A ceilingless curriculum that allows students to work beyond grade level
Development of critical thinking and executive functioning skills