About Montessori
In today’s rapidly changing world it is more important than ever before that young people retain their natural sense of curiosity, adaptability, sense of wonder and adventure and their compassion for others! With each passing year we are seeing innovations in how and where people work, with an incredible upsurge of entrepreneurial opportunities, and more work communities valuing creative “outside the box” thinking. The philosophy and educational approach that Dr. Maria Montessori developed over 100 years ago provides a learning environment that encourages children to care for one another and their environment, to explore, think for themselves, collaborate and think creatively. A Montessori education is education for the whole child, encompassing not only academics, but world cultures, social emotional learning, conflict resolution, care of the environment, arts, music and creativity! A Montessori education will prepare your child to thrive in a future that we cannot yet imagine and is an investment not only in your child's life, but in the future of humanity and the earth itself.
The term “Montessori” implies both a philosophy and a method of education, based on the extensive research of Dr. Maria Montessori – an Italian physician and educator. The Montessori method is based on the belief that children naturally want to learn, to get along with others and to become contributing members of the community. At its heart, the Montessori method emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and a respect for the individual. The Montessori Method has been in practice worldwide since its inception in 1907 and has stood the test of time as an education that makes a profound and lasting difference for young people.
The experience and training of a Montessori Guide is integral to the Montessori method. A Montessori Guide is specially trained to observe each child and to design lessons based on that child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. During the course of a day Guides use both concrete teaching materials and a well-defined innovative curriculum tailored to the child and will demonstrate a wide array of concrete sensorial materials and sequential activities through individual and small group instruction.
Based on the foundational beliefs of independence, freedom within limits, and a respect for the child, the classrooms and materials at Bastrop Montessori are organized to be easily used by the children, requiring little to no help from the Guide or Assistant. Each of the classrooms is thoughtfully arranged and offers an inviting space for activity that is focused and calm. Learning materials are displayed on shelves that are accessible to the children to foster independence as the students go about their daily work. There are spaces in the classroom that allow for group activity as well as areas where children can work alone. There are well-defined spaces for each part of the curriculum; Sensorial, Practical Life, Language Arts, Math, World Cultures, Art and Music. Each of these areas features shelves or display tables with a variety of inviting materials from which students can choose. Materials are beautiful and often fragile; thus, the children learn to appreciate, respect and care for precious things.
Thank you so much for considering Bastrop Montessori for your child. We look forward to the opportunity of talking with you and showing you around our beautiful and unique school.
Here are some great videos about Montessori, including some of the classes in action!
https://www.blog.montessoriforeveryone.com/top-ten-montessori-videos-on-youtube.html
Cheryl Kruckeberg, Director