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Music: "Thanksgiving" by George Winston Photos: Thank
you to Garden Gate parent, Caroline Somary, for the many lovely photos (all the really great ones) of our Garden Gate environment. Note: For more correct
viewing of our site please use Internet Explorer as your browser. Contact:
Mimi Glass at Garden Gate Montessori School
925 943-7484
Email: Mimi@GardenGateMontessori.com
Montessori at Garden Gate
Characteristics of our Programs
The "Prepared Environment"
In quality Montessori programs all over the world you will
find inside and outside environments lovingly prepared with a level of order and beauty that refects the underlying orientation
of respect for the child's sensitive nature and need for beauty and order. Accordingly, at Garden Gate every aspect
of the child's sensory and cognitive experience is considered in the design and maintenance of the environment.
The child's learning
materials and other furnishings are of high quality, always in good repair, and readily accessible in order to serve
the child's developing sense of independence and competence.
The child's
environment and all guidance provided by the teachers are also geared to provide the kind of individualized, hands on
learning for which Montessori education is renowned.
The role of the teacher is part of the prepared
environment. Teachers are specially trained in the Montessori philosophy of child oriented education that respects each and
every child, and bases its guidance on careful observation of each student. You may read more below about the unique role
of the teacher in Montessori programs.
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Child’s Play is Child’s Work In Montessori schools we
do not distinguish between work and play. All learning is seen as the result of the child's natural impetus toward self-development.
Even "academic" work is approached as a symbolic and abstract level of play through the hands-on, sensorial way
of learning that is the hallmark of early childhood. Learning is natural and easy because it involves the mind, body
and spirit in a way that is natural to the child.
Parents and Grandparents
are Important Parents are invited to observe their children and to
confer with the teacher regarding their children's development. Daily personal contact with the child's teacher is
a unique benefit of Garden Gate's homelike program. From their individual observation records for each child, teachers
prepare and send home periodic progress notes to let parents know about their child's recent experiences at school.
Our MorningUnfolds
For a more detailed description of the programs we offer please visit our "Curriculum"
page.
In the Garden
We have a relaxed beginning
to the new day in our garden-play area where opportunities abound
to observe nature and engage in gross motor and social play. Opening Circle-"Line Time" Our outside time is followed
by a gathering time when we come together for an opening circle ("Line Time") in which we greet each
other and the new day with an opening song, hear
the weather report, and work with the calendar, and talk together. We also announce who does which classroom jobs and celebrate
birthdays at this time, and perhaps see something new that will be available for choosing in the classroom. This is a joyful
time when the sense of belonging to a small community prevails.
Time to Choose and Enjoy Independence within
a Community
The
children choose from amongst the many learning materials offered in the classroom and in the outside areas.
A child may choose to work either alone or with others. This is a time when children can develop independence while remaining part of a community. Because each child is fulfilled through self-chosen work and secure
in the knowledge that no one may interfere with his or her work, interactions between the children tend to be non-competitive.
When two children choose to work together, they are more likely to cooperate, because they have entered into their
shared play freely.
Language Development Vocabulary building activities, the natural dialogue which accompanies the children's self-chosen work,
and social interactions enhance the child's emerging ability to think with language and to communicate verbally. Open,
respectful communication amongst children and adults is modeled and valued for the building of self-esteem and mutually satisfying
relationships.
Non-Competitive Interaction
Because children are free to choose the work that appeals to them, to learn at their own pace, and
to work either alone or with another, each child develops a desire to be part of the community and a love of learning for
the satisfaction that it brings to the child.
Conflict Resolution
At Garden Gate Montessori School a special effort is made to support
children in their efforts to resolve conflicts by providing them with the necessary communication skills through a process
they all know and love as the "Peace Talk.". We see these learned skills independently
applied by the children once they have been introduced to them.
Good-bye
Circle
Singing, movement, and stories typify our closing circle time together. There is a sense of closure to our morning
as children prepare for the next step of their day.
The Role of the Teacher
Our Montessori trained teachers serve as observers and guides to the children, giving them direction
and help to facilitate their own independence while being careful not to intrude upon their work or interrupt their concentration. Prior to the school
day the teachers have spent time in careful preparation of the environment based upon their observations of the children’s
needs and her knowledge of child development. We invite you to our "Curriculum"
page for descriptions of the kinds of experiences available for the children's choosing.
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