Media Children's House - Education in the Montessori Tradition

The 3-year cycle in Montessori education is based on Maria Montessori’s planes of development which were defined after many years of studying young children and their patterns of learning.  Completion of the 3-year cycle is a vital component of attaining the full advantage of the Montessori Method for both academic and social skills.  

During the first year, the child can be described as a ‘watcher,’ as they are not yet fully social.  He or she observes the classroom carefully and learns much by absorbing information from their environment.  The child has a great desire for a sense of order and often works independently during this year.

The second year brings us a more confident child. This year, the child builds on the previous year’s experiences. He or she is a ‘worker’. The child is eager to learn and admires the third year students and often wants to do the work that they are doing. He/she becomes self-motivated and friendships become more important than they were in the 1st year. Parents often wonder at this point, “Has my child learned anything?” This is a year of growth and often all that has been learned has yet to be seen. It has not yet been unveiled.

The third and final year of the 3-year cycle is one of mastery and completion. It is in this year that we see the child, once a shy newbie to the classroom, become a confident and skilled learner as all of their experiences in the classroom come together.  While in the previous two years, the child has used concrete materials to learn, in this final year the core classroom materials serve as bridges into abstract thinking. This process leads to what appears to be a “sudden explosion” in the ability to read and write and do more abstract math problems with pencil and paper.  In addition, the child is now in the position of being one of the older members of the class that are looked up to by their peers.  They find themselves in the roles of mentors and “teachers.”  What better way to ensure mastery of a skill but to be able to teach someone else how to do it? 

The third year, no matter what level (toddler-primary, or elementary) is a time in which the child flourishes academically, emotionally, and socially. It is the culmination of a learning experience for which the previous two years served as a foundation.  The sense of confidence towards learning that is built during this year is one that will serve your child well in all of their future academic endeavors.

The Montessori Foundation

Why Montessori for the kindergarten year?
by Tim Seldin with Dr Elizabeth Coe

It’s always refreshing to take a step back and view the world from the eyes of a child. As we celebrated President’s Day at Media Children’s House, we asked the kindergarten students “What does a President do?” Here are some of their answers:

• focuses on our country, has big ideas, and lives in Washington D.C.
• makes good things happen
• works hard and has a cause
• makes money and sells it to poor people
• are chosen in a vote and are really important
• gets money to make roads in our country
• cares about people, does work, and takes votes about what to do
• helps animals

Then, we asked the children “What would you do if you were the President of the United States of America?” They responded with:

• I would help everyone
• Help people learn how to do things by teaching them
• Teach people about what is happening around the world
• Invent stuff
• Help poor people and give them money
• Help people who need more help, like the “olderlies” and help the environment
• Help children in orphanages
• Help people and visit places to make sure they are ok and that people are working
• Give ½ of my money to the poor and just keep the other ½

These children really are wise beyond their years!

Media Children's House is proud to host Trevor Eissler, internationally renowned speaker and author of Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education, on Wednesday, September 28th at 7pm at Hennessy's Tavern & Restaurant.  

 
Trevor enthusiastically provides a practical and passionate perspective on the contribution a Montessori education has on a child's life. As a Montessori parent-turned-advocate, his unique insight answers so many of the questions that our parents are asking. He will be exploring:

• The ways in which Montessori education best prepares children for the world outside the classroom.How inspiring and amazing school can and should be.
• Ways to bring awareness of Montessori schools to as many families as possible.Why millions more American children deserve a Montessori education
• Don't miss this opportunity to see Trevor Eissler. Please follow this link http://mchmontessorimadness.eventbrite.com to register for the event and to obtain more details.

This event is free and open to the public, so please feel free to bring friends. Hope to see you there!

"Superwoman Was Already Here!" is an outstanding video written by Daniel C. Petter-Lipstein, a father of three Montessori children.  Daniel created, wrote and narrated this animation based on his article, “Superwoman Was Already Here”. He also inspired Trevor Eissler to create the acclaimed “Montessori Madness” animation.  

CLICK HERE to visit Daniel's new blog - SuperDrMaria.com.