OUR DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

What are enrollment requirements?

This class is open to all students ages 4-10.  A minimum of 7 students enrolled is required for this class.  There will be a maximum of 12 students.  It is planned for the academic year 2020-21.  Parents are required to make a contractual commitment for at least the months of September, October, November, and December, and will be required to pay two tuition deposits.  All applications must be received by Thursday August 20th.

For families who would like to have their children join Chestnut Montessori School on campus beginning in January, they will have priority if space is available and one month’s notice is provided in writing.

 

How and when must I make the decision to enroll my child for distance learning?

To confirm your enrollment in this program, please fill out the Chestnut Montessori at Home Application for Enrollment and the CMS at Home Enrollment Contract and submit it to us no later than Monday August 17th.

 

What platform will be used for distance learning?

After experimenting with different platforms during distance learning for the 2019-2020 academic school year, we are now working directly with Microsoft Teams to implement a program that meets our specific needs.      

 

Will there be a trial period where my child can join without committing to September-December?

There is not a trial period for this program.  To best meet the needs of Chestnut students, teachers and students will need time to form a bond.  This program would not be possible without a commitment for at least September-December.

 

If I enroll in traditional on-site learning, may I switch to the CMS at home program?

Yes, you may opt into this program provided there are still spaces available.  Please keep in mind that this program will have a maximum of 12 students.  We ask that you provide 1 month’s written notice of your intentions to switch programs so teachers can prepare an individualized workplan specifically for your child. 

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Will this course be affected if all students must switch to distance learning?

No, we have a teacher specifically dedicated to this course.  Should there be a time when all students must switch to distance learning by order from the governor, students that attend onsite learning will receive instruction virtually from their onsite teachers.

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How will children be engaged without Montessori materials?

While nothing can take the place of the Montessori environment, we will have the benefit of the philosophy and the creativity of the teacher and children to replicate the essence of Montessori materials.  Many materials will be replicated with items from nature or created by the child.  For instance, the Short Bead Stair can be made by the child from beads or drawn on paper.  It can be used for many math lessons. 

 

What does an online schedule look like?

This class is designed to meet all the needs of children through the Montessori curriculum.  Students will have prescheduled times each day when they will work with the teacher.  Please keep in mind that this is not the time for their most meaningful work, your child learns most through repetition and hands on practice, not just through teacher instruction.  You will have the opportunity to sign up for a specific time for your child to meet with their teacher each day when enrollments are confirmed (after August 20th).  Please see our sample schedule for more information. 

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Does my child have to attend for their entire scheduled program each day?

No.  You may choose to attend for certain group activities, your child’s scheduled time with their teacher, cosmic lessons, science/art, etc.  Please feel free to come and go as desired.  Just as they would in a traditional classroom, let your child move throughout their environment as needed.  Sometimes they may not feel like sitting in front of the computer or tablet, and it is perfectly acceptable for them to get up and stretch, have a snack, get some water, go to the bathroom, etc.  We ask that you use grace and courtesy by not interrupting the virtual classroom when arriving or departing.  Your child’s teacher will be aware of when they come and go without you having to announce it to the group.    

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How will prescheduled times for each student be determined?

After your child’s enrollment is confirmed and all paperwork is submitted, we will send you a sign-up link to choose your child’s time.  This will be their scheduled time with their teacher from September through December. 

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What happens if I miss my child’s scheduled time with the teacher?  Will there be a makeup time?

In the interest of consistency and fairness, we ask that you stick to your child’s scheduled time with the teacher.  There will not be a makeup time or extra time given to students that are absent, tardy, etc.

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What support is available to me if I have difficulty getting my child to participate in distance learning?

Wednesday afternoons are reserved specifically for you to make appointments to meet with your child’s teacher.  If your child is having difficulty during their scheduled time in class, you will have access to a library of videos featuring Chestnut Montessori staff giving lessons, reading stories, singing, sharing movement activities, and leading art projects to view at any time.  You may also call or email at any time to schedule a meeting with the director or assistant director. 

 

How will students be kept engaged in distance learning and bond with their teacher virtually?

Our teachers are highly capable in understanding children and will use a variety of approaches to engage them in participating and learning.  They will use some of the same strategies that are used in a traditional Montessori classroom to bond with students.  Such strategies include, introducing new materials, bonding through their individual interests, playing special games, singing interactive songs and more.

Your role will be to support your child and communicate any concerns during appointments with the teacher on Wednesday afternoons.

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What is the parent’s role in distance learning?

Parents do have an important role in the success of their children’s distance education.  The time commitment is dependent on the age and independence of your child.

The first task is to set up an environment which will allow your child to be successful, in a quiet place away from household distractions.  Enrolled families will receive a guide detailing the ideal set-up for your child and what supplies will be needed.

The school will provide most material needed for cultural studies.  These are the same for students of all ages.  We will relate the materials to studies.

Parents will need to print materials that are individualized to their child’s progress, such as in reading and math.  We will strive to give as much notice as possible.  Please have your child prepared for class.

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What supplies should I have for my child to be prepared for class?

You will need to have access to a printer for certain materials.  Please also have the following readily available: pencils, erasers, colored pencils, crayons, plain paper, lined paper, construction paper, tempera paint, watercolor paint, scissors, tape, glue, glue stick.

 

Do I need to purchase any Montessori materials for my child to use at home?

No, this course is designed so you do not need to purchase any Montessori materials.  Montessori materials can be awfully expensive, and some are very fragile.  They can be easily damaged if not treated with the proper care.  Some families may choose to purchase materials, but you are not required to.  Many materials in this course will be replicated with items from nature or created by the child.  For instance, the Short Bead Stair can be made by the child from beads or drawn on paper.

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What is a workplan?

In the Garden Room, Chestnut Montessori Elementary students have what we call “workplans”.  Workplans provide each child with specific activities to work on independently.  Each week your child will have a new work plan.   

 

How will the needs of Early Childhood and Elementary students be met?

All student needs will be met as the teacher gets to know each of their personalities and capabilities.  We will review records and/or assessments made prior to the beginning of the academic school year.  To support their needs, you will have the opportunity to schedule a virtual meeting with your child’s teacher on Wednesday afternoons to discuss any concerns or challenges your child may have at that time.

 

How will it work to mix Early Childhood students with Elementary students?

Traditional Montessori classrooms include students of mixed ages.  Since Montessori lessons are catered to meet the capabilities of each student individually, rather than a “one size fits all” approach, they benefit from the diversity of having classmates of differing ages.  Students receive lessons based on their readiness and not just their age.  This way students who may be working ahead for their age will not be held back, nor will children who are still practicing certain concepts be forced to learn things they are not ready for.