Development of the Social Community

  • At this age children are in the process of discovering who they are and how to live respectfully within the community. Through lessons of grace and courtesy we foster this development. Older children respond to the needs of younger children and younger children learn to seek help and guidance from their older, more experienced peers. Children learn to work both alone and with others.

    In addition, the child is taught life skills and educated to be:

    • Self-disciplined and self-directed
    • Responsible and independent
    • Friendly, empathetic and cooperative
    • Graceful and courteous
    • Respectful of others

This Community is Modeled by the Teachers

  • This Community is modeled by the teachers using the Montessori code of conduct.

    • Focus on strengthening the development of the innate good in the child.
    • Take meticulous care of the environment, and teach the child to properly care for it as well. Demonstrate proper use of materials and methods of cleaning up.
    • Always listen to and show respect for the child.
    • Allow the child to make and correct his or her own mistakes. Only interfere with the child work or use of materials if what he or she is doing is dangerous or destructive.
    • Allow the child to rest and think or watch other students at work. Embrace the value of reflective thinking and the power of learning from your peers.
    • Encourage both independent work and collaborative small group work.
    • Allow the child to determine which educational activity to engage in based on his or her interests.
    • Help those who are in search of an activity and cannot find it.
    • Present lessons based on observed interests of the child. Present opportunities for continued practice and improvement, and continuously provide increasingly challenging material as the child progresses with the material.
    • Encourage the child to fully discover him or herself by carefully refraining from imposing your personality or ideas upon the child. Allow the child to develop his or her own opinions and preferences.
    • Always demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and encourage the child in his or her exploration and work.
    • Always demonstrate the utmost respect and courtesy for every individual, and set a good example with your own grace and good manners.
    • Never touch the child unless invited by him, in some form or other.
    • Never speak ill of the child in his or her presence or absence.
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