Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Montessori?
It is a revolutionary method of observing and supporting the natural development of our children. Montessori education practice helps children develop creativity, problem solving, social, and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment. The basis of Montessori practice in the classroom is respected individual choice of research and work, and uninterrupted concentration rather than group lessons led by an adult.
Q: What are the benefits of a multi-age class structure?
Older students:
Curriculum in a multi-age setting provides many opportunities for older students to delve as far into a subject as they are able to, while younger students explore subjects at their own levels. Older students also “learn what they know” while gaining self-esteem in the role of mentor to the younger students. Indeed there is no better way to consolidate your learning of a subject than by helping another student understand. Returning to the same classroom for three years allows the teacher to know students really well and significantly shortens the amount of time it takes at the beginning of the year to get the class settled into a routine. Being the oldest student in a classroom also provides wonderful periodic occasions for practice in leadership, while in traditional schools these opportunities are only available in the final year at a school.
Younger Students:
Younger children are intrigued and motivated by watching older children do more complicated work. Being in a multi-age classroom provides them with the double benefit of inspiration to challenge themselves and support from peer tutoring when older children help them. They also benefit from entering a classroom that is two-thirds enrolled with students who know the ropes and can lead the way.
Q: How does The Young U Montessori School address the social and emotional needs of children?
Montessori philosophy includes a reverence for the spiritual side of children by recognizing and respecting the whole child, including an inner self, where issues of character, integrity, values and civic virtues reside and require nurturing. Lessons emerge from everyday interactions with fellow students and the world. Children learn to resolve their issues independently. If they need help, teachers are always available. All of the adults in the community model the respectful and kind behavior we expect from children.
Q: What is the ratio of teachers to students in the classroom?
Generally our Toddler Room has a 1:8 ratio and our Children's Room a 1:10 ratio. Moreover, instructional groups are often much smaller. In this way, we are able to provide great one-on-one support for children.
Q: How are the classrooms prepared:
The Children's room classroom contains only materials that respond to the development stages of a child 3 - 5 years of age. There are no toys as the Montessori materials fulfill the various needs of the children at all stages. The classroom is clean, tidy, and encourages independence.
Q: Are lessons given in groups or individually?
Lessons / Presentations are given only when the child is ready. Generally lessons are given individually, however some lessons are given in a small group setting. Before a lesson is given the child must have successfully completed any preparatory lessons. If the concepts of the preceding lessons have not been absorbed, than the probability of success will be minimal. The lessons are very purposeful, specifically catering to each stage of the child's development. The children work according to their choice and capability and no comparisons to children of equal age are made.
Q: Are lessons repeated?
The children are encouraged to repeat lessons as many times as the child wishes, so that the concept is completely absorbed. A child will not necessarily receive a new lesson every day, as time and repetition, as well as concentration, observation and discussion, are essential for the complete creation of the child.
It is a revolutionary method of observing and supporting the natural development of our children. Montessori education practice helps children develop creativity, problem solving, social, and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment. The basis of Montessori practice in the classroom is respected individual choice of research and work, and uninterrupted concentration rather than group lessons led by an adult.
Q: What are the benefits of a multi-age class structure?
Older students:
Curriculum in a multi-age setting provides many opportunities for older students to delve as far into a subject as they are able to, while younger students explore subjects at their own levels. Older students also “learn what they know” while gaining self-esteem in the role of mentor to the younger students. Indeed there is no better way to consolidate your learning of a subject than by helping another student understand. Returning to the same classroom for three years allows the teacher to know students really well and significantly shortens the amount of time it takes at the beginning of the year to get the class settled into a routine. Being the oldest student in a classroom also provides wonderful periodic occasions for practice in leadership, while in traditional schools these opportunities are only available in the final year at a school.
Younger Students:
Younger children are intrigued and motivated by watching older children do more complicated work. Being in a multi-age classroom provides them with the double benefit of inspiration to challenge themselves and support from peer tutoring when older children help them. They also benefit from entering a classroom that is two-thirds enrolled with students who know the ropes and can lead the way.
Q: How does The Young U Montessori School address the social and emotional needs of children?
Montessori philosophy includes a reverence for the spiritual side of children by recognizing and respecting the whole child, including an inner self, where issues of character, integrity, values and civic virtues reside and require nurturing. Lessons emerge from everyday interactions with fellow students and the world. Children learn to resolve their issues independently. If they need help, teachers are always available. All of the adults in the community model the respectful and kind behavior we expect from children.
Q: What is the ratio of teachers to students in the classroom?
Generally our Toddler Room has a 1:8 ratio and our Children's Room a 1:10 ratio. Moreover, instructional groups are often much smaller. In this way, we are able to provide great one-on-one support for children.
Q: How are the classrooms prepared:
The Children's room classroom contains only materials that respond to the development stages of a child 3 - 5 years of age. There are no toys as the Montessori materials fulfill the various needs of the children at all stages. The classroom is clean, tidy, and encourages independence.
Q: Are lessons given in groups or individually?
Lessons / Presentations are given only when the child is ready. Generally lessons are given individually, however some lessons are given in a small group setting. Before a lesson is given the child must have successfully completed any preparatory lessons. If the concepts of the preceding lessons have not been absorbed, than the probability of success will be minimal. The lessons are very purposeful, specifically catering to each stage of the child's development. The children work according to their choice and capability and no comparisons to children of equal age are made.
Q: Are lessons repeated?
The children are encouraged to repeat lessons as many times as the child wishes, so that the concept is completely absorbed. A child will not necessarily receive a new lesson every day, as time and repetition, as well as concentration, observation and discussion, are essential for the complete creation of the child.