An insider view of MSPI…
Director’s Blog…
So, what sets Montessori apart?
So many things…the freedom children have to choose their own work, based on their sensitive period – what they are curious about and ready to learn. The inner self-discipline that is developed as a result of this freedom within limits. The beauty of real, natural wood, smooth, attractive and elegant materials – always complete and in good repair in a home-like environment which draws children in. The fact that children find themselves in real life situations, using real objects and performing real tasks, which builds their confidence. After all school is their real world right now and it should be preparing them for the next one. The contact with nature that leads to an understanding and appreciation of order and harmony, and a healthy relationship with our planet.
But more than all of this, what sets Montessori apart is a mindset. It is an approach to life. It is an attention to the process, rather than a race to the product. It is a respect for every person, no matter how young. It is to be filled with wonder. It is a celebration of the endless possibility.
Based on the assumption that children have a natural desire to learn, Montessori teachers “follow the child,” observing from a distance, refraining from interrupting while there is concentration and focus, and then when the child is ready, coming alongside to guide and encourage him. Once she observes he has achieved mastery, she invites him to the next lesson.
And at the heart of all of this is the fact that Montessori teachers are experts in child development, that they possess knowledge from their extensive training about the planes of development and the kinds of opportunities we need to provide for children in order to best grow their brains during these sensitive periods.
So what sets Montessori apart? An intentionality about education that is based on research and a hundred years of successful practice.
Rachel Tomovski
Montessori Video
Real life activities give Montessori children a sense of purpose
Montessori uses “Walking the Line”
as an exercise to help the child control his body, develop balance and perfect equilibrium, as well as to strengthen the mind’s control of its body’s movements. This is a spontaneous individual or group activity that happens in the natural environment.
The Montessori Work Cycle
is structured to provide learners with at least one daily-uninterrupted work period appropriate to the age level of the children in each class. Students select work freely, eventually becoming absorbed in work that has a particular fascination for them at this point in their development.
Montessori: education for the whole life of the child!
All classes: Infant, Toddler and Primary, are open enrollment and space is limited. Consider Montessori for more meaningful education today… Curriculum descriptions, rates and forms available on this website or in the office. Call or email for more information (843) 237-9015, eenriquez@pawleysislandmontessori.org
Financial Assistance Opportunities for qualifying families:
Your child’s world at Montessori is rich in art, music, culture, botany, zoology, cooking, and nature!
Studying the Life Cycle of the Frog begins with tadpoles…
Gardening is a favorite activity of all ages…
Check out our teacher blogs to see how we have been busy inspiring your child this week…
Children’s House 2:30 – 5:30 PM
A comfortable, home-like environment where friendships are deepened as children participate in after school routines which allow for rest, play, exploration and creativity, as well as meaningful work, such as food preparation and care of the classroom.
Quote of the Week: “From little acorns, mighty oaks do grow.”
Grownups Welcome!
Parent Education is an important part of our Montessori culture. MSPI welcomes its current and prospective parents to observe during morning work cycle and see how Montessori materials are used for Language, Math, Practical Life, and Cultural Studies.
Once a month, we have a school wide Community Circle…
Community meetings provide a special opportunity to develop our school culture by creating a monthly ritual with families that will deepen our children’s experience of the connection between school and home. These gatherings typically take place on the third Friday of the month, following morning drop off and last 30 minutes. We incorporate activities which unite, enlighten and uplift the whole school community. Teachers and students present lessons with the Montessori materials. Student work is highlighted and we enjoy class performances. We will share songs, games, stories, and at times, silence. We include “Shout Outs” acknowledging achievements and special help on the part of our members. This Community Circle is an extension of the daily community circles which are conducted in each class.
We LOVE our VOLUNTEERS!
Thank you to the parents who are sharing their expertise with us in so many wonderful areas:
~Culinary Arts ~Visual Arts ~Spanish ~Yoga ~Readers ~Gardening
Please contact your teacher to set up a time to observe, read with our children, or share an activity.
Thank you for contributing School Supplies!
The following is a list of materials and supplies the teachers use throughout the year for their students and classrooms. Thank you for helping to stock our shelves…
Washable tempera paint-all colors Watercolor paint
Paint brushes Finger Paint
Washable thick Crayola markers Food coloring
Construction paper-All colors Straws
Assorted color tissue paper Glitter-assorted colors
Colored sand Food coloring
Elmer’s glue-gallon size Pipe cleaners
Popsicle sticks – large and small Coffee filters
Colored pencils Q-tips
#2 pencils Brown paper bags
Thin sharpies-all colors Sponges
Thick sharpies-all colors Cotton balls
Chalk-yellow Crayons
Erasers Beads-Pony
Tape dispenser tape Jewel beads/Craft beads
Two sided tape
Feathers (assorted colors) Silver polish
Brass polish Flour
Staples Salt
Masking tape (thick & thin) Macaroni noodles
Duct Tape (red & black) Dried Beans-Black,kidney, etc.
Rice Grits
Fish food
Aluminum Foil
Cling wrap New mops
Wax paper Buckets
Large Ziploc bags First Aid Kits
Small Ziploc bags
Healthy Snacks for Children’s House Pantry and Refrigerator