Orientation at Montessori

Yesterday Stuart took Nicholas to Montessori for orientation. The school holds orientation to help the students feel a little more comfortable with the teachers and the classroom before the first day of school. The children go to their classroom where they spend about 45 minutes with both teachers and two other students. Stuart walked Nicholas to his class. He said that Nicholas was a little shy at first. Mrs. Carrico greeted him at the door and he walked on into the classroom and did great. Mrs. Carrico commented that he is quite talkative and very articulate for his age. She also commented that he is very interested in participating in activities.

Nicholas will be in a class with an age range from 3-5 years old. This is an important feature in Montessori education with a focus on cooperative learning and social interaction, while also nurturing the development of self-esteem. Mixed age groups free children to enjoy their own accomplishments rather than comparing themselves to others their own age. Younger children learn from and model the older children in their class while also getting encouragement through help and attention from older children. At the same time, older children provide leadership and guidance, and benefit from the satisfaction of helping others. Older children reinforce and clarify their knowledge by sharing it with younger ones. Children learn to respect others, and at the same time develop respect for their own individuality.