Aces School House

Dr. Montessori developed her educational philosophy as a result of observations and discoveries she made of the ways in which children learn. She found that they learn in distinctly different ways at different stages of development. She formulated an educational program to meet the particular needs of the child at whatever stage of development, to help him/her reach his/her fullest potential. Dr. Montessori preferred not to call this a "method," but an "approach" to life. She said, "What I have done is merely to study the child, to take and express what he has given me." She believed that no one is educated by another- he must do it himself, and thus, the goal of early childhood education should be to cultivate the child's own natural desire and ability to learn and to protect the essential nature of the child. Young children, she discovered, have a unique aptitude for learning not found again at any other period of life. Montessori identified this quality as the "absorbent mind." The young child literally absorbs information from his or her surroundings. During certain periods in this phase of development s/he is more easily able to absorb specific types of learning. Dr. Montessori referred to these as the "sensitive periods." Acquiring information in this way is a natural and delightful activity for the young child who employs all his senses to investigate his interesting surroundings. Montessori Goals Summarized
The primary goals of the Montessori Method are:
1. To promote the growth of a positive self-image in each child and satisfaction about him/herself, the key to the development of a person’s full potential.
2. To promote feelings of enthusiasm and responsibility about one's world.
3. To create an awareness of one's own feelings and sensitivity to the feelings of others.
4. To encourage the natural desire, ability, self-discipline, and independence inherent in learning.
5. To ensure mastery of the basic skills required to pursue knowledge.
6. To teach physical coordination and control.
7. To develop the ability to concentrate and to attend to details.
8. To develop a sense of order. The Preschool Program
Our Preschool program, for children aged 3 - 5 1/2, is ASH’s flagship program. In this program, children use hands-on materials. They are given opportunities to begin building the foundations of social skills including manners and building independence and self-confidence. Teachers act as facilitators, stimulating interest in the child-centered learning environment. An emphasis on order and completion balances their freedom of choice, resulting in a calm, yet active atmosphere. The After-School Care
We provide quality after-school care to children. Children are given a warm and caring atmosphere where they are allowed freedom within reasonable limits. Daily activities include homework assistance, crafts, reading time, and outdoor activities. Montessori Materials & Activities
The materials in the classroom can be divided into five main areas. Activity with these materials involves physical and mental action, linking body and mind.
1. Practical Life Exercises such as pouring, grating, polishing, sorting, washing, buttoning, etc. help the child learn to function in his own environment, and are preliminary to more advanced learning. The child develops an attention to details, a lengthened span of concentration and muscular control and coordination through the successful completion of these basic exercises.
2. Sensorial Activities are designed to isolate and sharpen each of the five senses. Grading and comparing sounds, sizes, colors, textures and shapes help organize the impressions a child receives. The materials have a built-in control of error so the child can correct his own mistakes. Sensorial materials are sequential and provide a foundation for mathematics and language.
3. Language Materials are presented individually to take advantage of the greatest interest on the part of the child. Children are taught the sound and formation of the letters kinesthetically through the use of sandpaper letters and similar materials. Word building activities of increasing difficulty are done over a long period of time. Reading follows naturally.
4. Mathematical Concepts are presented through extensive use of concrete materials. The child's sensorial training enables him to identify and differentiate the idea of quantity that is built into the Montessori materials. The child gains the conception of numbers and their application on arithmetical operations. Enrichment activities are offered when available. Volunteers among parents and community members may provide special interest units. In addition to activities involving the materials described above, the full Montessori day includes a lunch period, a listening period, rest period, and individual and group activity periods. These include art and craft projects, special interest units, cooking, music, games, and outdoor activities. The children also enjoy field trips throughout the school year.