Getting a Good Start

 

September is here and that means the beginning of school.  It is an exciting time for both children and their parents!   Some children will be joining a community outside the immediate family for the very first time.   Other children may be making a change in their community by moving into the Primary or Elementary programs. Changes can produce some anxiety along with the excitement.  It is vital that the experience be a calm, supportive, and positive one. 

 

Montessori Directresses spend a great deal of time preparing an environment that fits the intellectual, physical, social, and psychological needs of a particular age group.  We can spend hours searching for the perfectly pouring pitcher that matches a favorite bowl, a container for math facts, or towels to coordinate with a basin for table washing.  Every single item in the classroom is necessary; nothing is extraneous.  Every item is considered in relation to how the child will use it and what benefits will result.  We know that having everything beautiful and orderly will appeal to the child and encourage his interest, activity, and concentration.

 

Children learn by being active within their environments.  They must participate with interest to learn and gain skills.  So, after the environment is carefully prepared, the Directress must then connect the child to that environment to maximize his experience.  We spend a long time in training learning to give careful and exact lessons on each piece of material.  But it is more than that.  The child must feel secure and comfortable to be independent and active in his learning. 

 

The experiences of the first days of school are vital to this new adventure.  Not only the calm and friendly demeanor of the adults who greet and work with the child, but the atmosphere of the classroom itself, particularly the other children, needs to be considered.  We start the classes at the Toddler and Primary levels with returning children who are already familiar with the room and its routines. They are comfortable, secure, and happy to be back.  Then, we introduce one or two children at a time to join the community.  The new child enters a calm and smoothly running class with children who are excellent role models.  The Directress has the opportunity to orient the new children to the room and its order.  This aids the child's sense of security.  The basic rules and routines are shown to the new children.  The Directress takes special time with these two children for a few exciting and new lessons.  These lessons will give the children something to look forward to on their return the next day!

 

At CMS we know what an important time this is for your child.  It can set the tone for the school year.  After a careful and supportive introduction, the child is free to gain more and more independence throughout the school year.  He will be active and thrive in this rich environment.