How Our Classrooms Work
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The teacher, child, and environment create a learning triangle. The teacher prepares the classroom to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child exercises individual choice to make use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed. The Montessori teacher, trained to observe and guide each individual child, helps the child excel to his or her full potential.
Multiage groupings are a hallmark of the Montessori classroom: younger children learn from older children; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered. |
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The Long Range Goal of Self-Discipline:
Respect for the rules creates an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility which minimizes conflict and maximizes enjoyment.
As Montessori educators and Christians we seek to help each child develop self-discipline through opportunities of concentration, purposeful movement and choice. Self-discipline is the long-range goal. Consistency and patience are necessary. We believe that students want to and can be well-behaved. Therefore we will do the following:
- A student may work on an activity as long as he/she wants; he will not be arbitrarily interrupted or forced to share.
- Only one activity may be taken out at a time by the student.
- Student is free to work alone, with a friend, or in a small group depending upon what he/she decides.
- All materials are returned to their proper place in original condition.
- Materials must be handled carefully and worked with in such a way that they do not disturb others.
- Running and shouting is not allowed. However spontaneous shouts of joy and discovery are expected and appreciated!
- Materials are to be used on tables or floor mats and not on the bare floor.
- Hitting and other forms of physical aggression are unacceptable forms of behavior. The articulation of feelings and alternative behavior will be discussed.
As Montessori educators and Christians we seek to help each child develop self-discipline through opportunities of concentration, purposeful movement and choice. Self-discipline is the long-range goal. Consistency and patience are necessary. We believe that students want to and can be well-behaved. Therefore we will do the following:
- Model appropriate behavior with children and adults alike.
- Emphasize the positive.
- Introduce acceptable forms of behavior before a problem arises.
- Allow choice whenever appropriate.
- Maintain an organized environment and routine that is conducive to constructive behavior.
- Redirect a misbehaving child into meaningful constructive activities.
If reprimand is necessary we will do the following:
- Be brief with, speak privately face to face, and in a normal tone to the student.
- Assume the best and give fresh chances.
- Stress that we care for the student but not for what the student did.
- Use limits that are fair, consistent, and appropriate for the individual student's level.
- Give positively worded directions.
- Arrange equipment, materials, activities, and schedules in a way that promotes desirable behavior.
Providence Montessori Christian School | 1200 Wilmington Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23227 | 804-643-0434