Theory & Practices
Education Theory
What does Montessori mean?
The essence of Montessori education is that every child is treated with respect, given freedom within the limits of a carefully structured environment, and allowed to develop naturally at his or her own pace.
In the Montessori classroom the children choose from a wide range of self-educating and self-correcting materials, working with each for as long as he or she needs to.
“Learning the correct answers will get a child through school, but learning how to learn is a preparation for life.” – Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori recognized that children have a natural willingness to explore and that the best motivation for learning is self-motivation.
Education for Life
Montessori is an education that starts from birth, a system that should not only fit children for employment or intellectual pursuits but prepares them for meeting all kinds of life’s problems and challenges. At Sapphire Montessori , our main goal is to prepare children for the learning process that continues beyond school years. It is a means to bring out the potentialities in children and aids them in the process of becoming the best that they can be. Montessori is a wholesome education that will prepare the children for life outside of the classroom
Learning is fun
We believe that if learning is designed to be fun for the child then the greater the benefit will be.
Montessori materials are both educational and fun, and the children see them as exciting and new! At Sapphire , children learn through natural development, enjoying freedom in the classroom within limits, having some directions from the teachers to stimulate, challenge and motivate the child. By following the child’s interest and readiness learning is fun!
We encourage the children to socialize with their peers. At the start of each session at Sapphire we have ‘circle time’ when each child is encouraged to interact. This is also when we discuss the topic for the week. Other small group activities we have at Sapphire Montessori include, craft work, music and movement, and physical education. After their group snack break there is a period of time for outdoor free play. We usually have a story time at the end of the session.
Progress Reports
We keep comprehensive records on each individual child. Your child’s teacher will write an individual learning plan for your child each term. Parent teacher conferences are held in the first term of the school year. Parents receive written progress report at the end of the school year. Teacher will always arrange a time to talk to you if you have any concerns.
Specially Designed Materials
The materials are designed to develop the senses and all are intended to help the child’s mind focus on one particular quality. They give the child knowledge in a systematic way so that the order becomes apparent and the child is helped to “know” what he sees. A “control of error” is obvious in the materials, enabling the child to see and correct his or her own mistakes. These materials prepare the child for higher academic skills, i.e. reading and writing etc.