MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Children at Montessori Unlimited are encouraged to explore, investigate and fulfill their natural curiosity about the world around them. Under the careful guidance of certified Montessori directors and directresses, children develop at their own pace and learn that school can be an unending adventure - one that inspires a lifetime of discovery. The development of personal dignity and ability in each
The development of personal dignity and ability in each child - no matter how young - is one of the most valuable and permanent benefits of a Montessori Unlimited education. This idea, so extraordinary at the turn of the 19th century, continues to inspire and guide Montessori Unlimited teachers and parents. This special, proven approach will guide a child towards independence, a love of learning and future success.
CAN YOU COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BOX?
| VERB | NOUN | ADJECTIVE |
|---|---|---|
| investigate | ||
| explore | ||
| encouraged | ||
| curiosity | ||
| adventure | ||
| dignity | ||
| ability | ||
| success | ||
| independence |
THE MAIN MONTESSORI PRIORITIES
1. Respect and nurture the child
2. Create a unique environment
3. Children learn at their own pace
4. Ask the right questions
5. Prepare for a lifetime of learning
NEW HORIZONS MONTESSORI – AN EXTRACT FROM THE ARTICLE
Students work together to make all their lives better
By Adam Sandel
One school was founded in 1907 by the first woman awarded a medical degree in Italy. One school
was founded in 1994 by a retired Santa Cruz teacher who took homeless children from shelters and
began teaching them in a park.
The innovative teaching techniques pioneered by Maria Montessori are now taught on six continents
and in more than 5,000 U.S. schools - including the Santa Cruz Montessori School in Aptos. The
outdoor classroom started by the late Carol Drewes has evolved into New Horizons School, a
transitional school for homeless and underprivileged children now housed in the First Baptist Church
in Capitola.
Santa Cruz Montessori School and New Horizons have recently forged a unique partnership which is
already producing rewards for the children, teachers and parents of both schools. The relationship
began in the spring, 1989 when Montessori School donated a percentage of the proceeds from its
annual fundraising auction to New Horizons. The relationship grew deeper over the holiday season,
when students from the Montessori elementary and junior high classes purchased and presented much
needed supplies to the New Horizons School-gifts of clothing and toys to each child, and gift packages
for each of the children's families.
"The Montessori connection has been a treasure trove of resources," says Skinner. "And the Montessori
parents are all behind us, always asking, 'What can we do?'" Some of the Montessori parents now
participating in New Horizons include pediatrician Bruce Block, who is to join the board; and Patrick
Reilly and Joel Rigler, who facilitated the donation and installation of four computer at the school. Other
parents are volunteering their time to tutor students at New Horizons.
Parallels in the academic approaches of both schools have made the partnership even more symbiotic.
"What we do by choice at Montessori, they do by necessity at New Horizons," explains Rideout. The
Montessori program is designed around multi-age classes, where children are supported in
independent, self-directed learning, each at their own pace and level. Montessori teachers are
trained to "follow the child" rather than "lead the class."
Since New Horizons consists of two multi-age classes (grades K-3 and 4-6) Montessori teachers are
currently helping the New Horizons teachers to develop assessment tools and curricula for multi-age
classrooms. "Assessment tools are critical for us to identify the skills and individual academic needs of
each student," explains Skinner. "We may have kids for only a few months or a year, so we have to
identify their needs and work fast."
The ultimate goal of New Horizons is to prepare students for a successful transition into public school,
which in come cases requires extensive socialization and some new behavior skills.
Montessori focuses on teaching kids to resolve their own problems. Conflict resolution workshops are
currently being scheduled and are to be incorporated into the New Horizons curriculum. Other plans
for the near future include older Montessori students volunteering as peer tutors at New Horizons.
The spirit of teamwork and community service has captured the imaginations of students at both
schools.
