The Montessori Approach

Children are given lessons in all curriculum areas of the classroom and are invited to explore the beautiful, didactic materials on their own or with friends. This allows the child freedom to choose areas of interest, guided by the teacher. It is during this time of using the materials with repetition that the child internalizes concepts, develops understanding, and feels pride in their pursuits. This also enables the child to practice making learning and social choices in the classroom.

Students are usually eager to participate in offered lessons; if not, they can choose to receive the lesson another time. Teachers may invite friends to receive a lesson together to spark interest.

Independence is fostered as children are encouraged to try things on their own after receiving guidance. For a young one, it may be practicing putting on shoes or coats; they may progress to matching objects on a mat, to laying out lessons for the Movable Alphabet or Golden Beads. Teachers observe, guide, and support as needed. Most materials have an inherent quality which guides students to assess and modify their progress if desired, allowing students to make their own decisions.

Students are given choices and alternatives as appropriate.

At Chestnut Montessori School we have a strong focus on the natural and physical sciences. Our campus is surrounded by a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, including rare 200-year old Chestnut trees. Each October these magnificent trees drop chestnuts, which children enjoy collecting, tasting, counting, weighing, and bringing home to share with their families.

Each year our curriculum focuses on traditional Montessori subjects of Language Arts, Perceptual Motor, Sensorial, Math and Geometry, Geography, Practical Life, and Art. Cultural studies of Earth Science, Botany, Zoology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and the Cosmos are emphasized throughout a four-year cycle, interwoven with science experiments, nature walks, music, books, food, creative pursuits, and special projects. These engaging activities provide students with rich and varied opportunities for joyful, meaningful learning.

This begins by having teachers trained in the specific developmental stages of the children they work with. By honoring where children are in their growth, we can create educational environments that perfectly suit their needs. We know that learning is not always linear and that individual children will need different challenges and support throughout their time at our school. In addition, Montessori students have plenty of opportunities to deeply study areas of personal interest.

A basic tenet of Montessori philosophy is to provide students with learning environments that are beautiful, harmonious, orderly, and peaceful. Maria Montessori named her first school Casa dei Bambini (Children's House) because she wanted children to feel safe and comfortable in a home-like setting.

Ideal classrooms have a lot of natural light, are clean, without clutter, and surrounded by nature. This fosters the child's Absorbent Mind to focus on lessons and inspires the development of friendship and community.

Upon stepping into a Montessori classroom, one immediately sees the difference in our environments. We value natural materials and prefer natural lighting. Living things (both plants and animals) are present, as are low shelves that allow children to easily access their work. There are areas for children to work in a group or alone, and on the floor or in a chair. Materials are of high quality, inspiring the children who use them to make their work beautiful.