After School – When Montessori Kids Grow Up

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There is plenty of research demonstrating the benefits of Montessori education during the important early years in a child’s life. The brain develops more in the first few years of life than it will for the next hundred! We know that the early years set the foundation for future development, learning and personal growth and the Montessori approach is highly successful in providing children with individualized learning and fostering potential during these formative years. What happens once Montessori students reach the Elementary years? And how does Montessori education impact their success and quality of life as adults?

When we explore the benefits of the Montessori philosophy beyond the early years, we see compelling results. From an early age, Montessori students have the opportunity to move freely within their classroom and enjoy regular involvement in selecting their work. Through this methodology, children normalize work as being a positive experience rather than a chore. This constructive outlook of academic work, learning and community contribution is fostered over time. Older students have a strong foundation which helps them to respond to their school assignments and expectations, as well as the world around them cheerfully and with enthusiasm.

Dr. Angeline Lillard has researched the science behind Montessori education extensively. Her main body of work published in 2006 states Montessori to be An Answer to the Crisis in Education. Dr. Lillard says “Research in psychology suggests that more freedom and choice (within a carefully designed, ordered structure) are linked to better psychological and learning outcomes.”

In a Montessori setting, students learn on a global scale – they are taught to consider issues broadly and look for inclusive solutions. A strong sense of community, responsibility, and citizenship emerges and students consistently demonstrate strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. These are universal skills we use in every facet of our lives and have great impact on our successes as adults.  At Kendalwood, each Elementary student is provided with an individualized education plan to guide their unique learning path. They are given responsibility and leadership over their own educational path through management of their education plan, completing projects and assignments from the plan on time and meeting learning goals.  This process helps students gain skills in time management, understanding deadlines and how to ask for help when they need assistance.

The impact of Montessori education stays with students long after they have left the classroom. As motivated learners who have been given the personal responsibility, space and time to dive into their interests and take their studies further, Montessori students grow into goal-driven adults who are able to set personal goals and achieve results. Montessori develops adults who know how to think, who are prepared to confidently pursue their dreams and learn from the inevitable mistakes along the way. We feel that these are very important outcomes for our students and we strive towards these long term goals in our daily work with your children.

We’re so glad to be on this journey with our Kendalwood families. If you have found our blog and want to learn more about Montessori or our school, please contact us. We are always happy to share our knowledge and spread Montessori philosophy throughout our community.

 

Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School is Durham Region’s first fully accredited Montessori school. At Kendalwood, we believe that our job is to inspire children to become the best students they can be. With a curriculum that focuses on developing the intellect as well as nurturing self-esteem, academics are taught, curiosity is cultivated and respect is fostered. Our approach creates an environment where students flourish and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Back to School with Montessori – 5 Helpful Tips for Parents

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Heading back to the classroom in September is an exciting time of year. Children, parents and teachers are all full of anticipation as the new school year begins. With only a couple of weeks before summer break draws to a close, it’s a good time to begin thinking about the September transition.

1. Build Confidence – Helping kids help themselves, do for themselves and make their own mistakes is truly the best way to build self-esteem and confidence. Before mornings become rushed in September, give children some space and time to practice the skills they’ll need to get ready for school. Can little one pour their own cereal and milk? Do older children know how to pack their own backpacks and lunches?

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” – Maria Montessori

2. Slow Down – Summer is full of action playing with friends, travelling and going on adventures as a family. During these last weeks of the summer break, slow things down and try to reduce distractions in order to mentally and emotionally prepare for a Montessori setting where children will be working on their concentration skills through uninterrupted work periods.

3. Get Organized – Sit down together as a family and talk about upcoming changes and set new routines that need to fall into place. Let everyone share the things they are excited about, as well as anything that might be causing underlying anxiety. Talking about it ahead of time will ease the transition for the whole family.

4. Expect the Unexpected – Changing expectations, new routines and potential social pressures may lead to some challenging moments in the weeks ahead. Stay connected to one another and be prepared for a few bumps in the road. With a flexible mindset, these things won’t derail parents, leaving you better equipped to get through anything unexpected.

5. Have Fun – The most important thing to keep top of mind during any transition phase is to keep the fun going! Laughter is the best stress reliever, no matter what your age. Remember to have some fun as a family as you get back into your school year routines.

See all you back at Kendalwood Montessori soon!

Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School is Durham Region’s first fully accredited Montessori school. At Kendalwood, we believe that our job is to inspire children to become the best students they can be. With a curriculum that focuses on developing the intellect as well as nurturing self-esteem, academics are taught, curiosity is cultivated and respect is fostered. Our approach creates an environment where students flourish and develop a lifelong love of learning.

The Montessori Two-Year Old – Transitioning to PreCasa

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The Transition to Casa Brings Exciting Changes!

We have a fresh crop of toddler graduates moving up to the Kendalwood PreCasa classroom next month. Our youngest students have passed some important milestones in preparation – their “language explosion”, time away from mom and dad, and making friends. They are now two and a half years old, well into what we affectionately call “The Determined Two’s”.

The transition to PreCasa brings many changes, exciting new challenges and older classmates to help lead the way. Independence is beginning to take shape in our determined two year olds (a.k.a the “no” and “I do it” phase). The toddler wants to be independent, where the PreCasa student is becoming independent. Our toddler students have plenty to look forward to with the new academic year only a few weeks away!

A new classroom and learning environment with undiscovered materials calling out to them.

New classmates, several of whom are older. Our newest PreCasa learners look up to their more experienced peers, showing great interest in what the older children are doing. The older students inspire an inner drive and desire to succeed in their younger counterparts.

The PreCasa setting provides our Toddler graduates with an introduction into the Casa Montessori curriculum, while continuing to provide the benefits of a licensed program (i.e. an Early Childhood Educator, lower staff/student ratio, as well as a continued afternoon rest period)

A more full and varied curriculum, complete with a robust introduction to math, language and culture.

Further program enrichment including music, gym, field trips and enhanced daily French program (moving from 15 to 30 minutes in length with expanded curriculum)

Students in the PreCasa classroom are also embarking on a big next step toward independence: beginning and conquering the skill of toilet learning.

If you are a parent thinking about the next step for your toddler, or considering a more inspiring education option for your child, consider Montessori. Book a tour with our Principal to hear more about what a Kendalwood education can offer your child.

Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School is Durham Region’s first fully accredited Montessori school. At Kendalwood, we believe that our job is to inspire children to become the best students they can be. With a curriculum that focuses on developing the intellect as well as nurturing self-esteem, academics are taught, curiosity is cultivated and respect is fostered. Our approach creates an environment where students flourish and develop a lifelong love of learning.