Taking a look at a Montessori classroom for the first time can be a bit surprising and overwhelming to navigate since the classroom looks unlike any traditional school setting. As a prent looks for the best education for their child, a flood of questions may come to mind about this new learning method at Saint Andrew Catholic School. What is Montessori? How does this lend itself to classical education? Does the Montessori method fit into the Catholic faith? Here is a checklist to help guide you in your first steps through this new student-focused journey.

Development of the Whole Child

One striking element that you may have observed is the free movement about the room. Students are allowed to move about the classroom in order to select work that is of interest to them. Children are presented specific lessons on how to use the materials. Student-focused education invites growth for cognitive development, social and emotional awareness, and spiritual development.
 

 

Discovery within hands-on learning

One of the first things you may have noticed are the hands on materials within every child's reach in a Montessori classroom. The children naturally utilize the skills of investigation and are free to discover the intended concepts within each work. The materials are specifically designed to be used with purpose and facilitate the exercise of mental concentration appropriate for an early childhood student.

Designed for purpose and growth

In this room you will see child sized furniture made from natural elements. The furniture in a Montessori environment is designed at the appropriate level for a child to have true independence and autonomy. The teacher serves as a guide that keenly observes the students and follows developmental cues of the child in order to create a living classroom environment.