Montessori Children’s House

Montessori Children’s House Montessori Children’s House (Detska kushta Montessori) helps the children unfold their potential in a world of infinite possibilities. We provide a caring, beautiful and prepared authentic Montessori environment that helps children develop according to their individual and natural abilities while doing purposeful work, spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy. We nurture the child’s unique character and promote independence, respect for self, other, and the environment. We believe in the certain needs and tendencies that guide the child in his development together with his special powers – the absorbent mind and the sensitive periods. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children are born with incredible learning potential and an intrinsic desire to explore, discover, and learn about their world. Through observations of children she developed an ingenious and holistic educational method based on the human tendencies and designed to help each child reach his or her full potential in all areas of life. During the first plane of development(0- 6 years of age) the child main task is to become and belong. S/he is guided by his/her powers - the Sensitive periods and the Absorbent Mind. Between 3 – 6 years of age the child needs to orient self, to classify facts and work with hands to develop intelligence, concentration, and consciousness. Through activity the child develops knowledge, will and memory making conscious what was unconscious until his/her 3rd year. The learning is joyful and effortless. The child together with the prepared adult and environment laid the foundation of the Montessori classroom. Freedom is very important in the Montessori environment. Children have the freedom to: a. chose where, for how long and what material to work with b. repeat c. move d. communicate All these freedoms promote what Maria Montessori called cycle of activities which must begin with interest. A cycle of activity means that each activity has a beginning (taking it from the shelf and preparation), middle (the activity takes place), and end (returning the material to the shelf and making it ready for the next child). Montessori 2.5 - 6 The Montessori Chidlren’s House programme and classroom are organized in several main educational areas – exercises of practical life, sensorial exercises, language, mathematics, arts, music, gardening, physical education. They are meant to promote independence and concentration; help with development of the will and social skills. Toddlers 1.4 - 2.5/3 The Toddler Class offers young children, ages 16 months to 2 1/2 to 3 years, an opportunity for self-development in a loving atmosphere of respect and support. The classroom provides a specific structure that fulfills the social, physical, emotional, and psychological needs of children of this age. Toddlers complete individual work and group activities. Everything in the environment is proportional to the child's sizе, safe and aesthetically pleasing for children. Children are offered practical life activities, language activities, sensorial activities, art activities, music, physical activities. Montessori Weekend We designed the Montessori Weekend programme in order to help children, who cannot attend our half and full - day programmes, gain some Montessori experience. The dates of the weekends are announced in advance. They include 3 – hour work cycle on Saturday in our authentic English speaking Montessori environment. The groups consist of 5-7 children. Signing-up and payment in advance are recommended in order to ensure you have a secured place for your child on the chosen date. It is important to understand that Montessori Weekends are not a 3-hour day care but an educational programme. Although results, such as the regular attendance to the five day programme would guarantee, cannot be expected in that case, the child’s development of independence, will and sense of order will be encouraged. This programme is also recommended for children who are going to attend our regular programmes in a couple of months in order to help them adapt and orient in the environment as well as start building a relationship with the guide, the assistant, and other children. Montessori at Home In order to support the child in his/her efforts to become and belong during the first six years of development, our homes need to be child-friendly. This programme is meant not only to assist the parents in understanding the Montessori philosophy but also in arranging their homes following the Montessori principles and thus providing opportunities for their children to participate as much as possible in the family everyday life and be independent. Contact us, arrange a visit and enjoy the outcome of our mutual efforts! Parent Workshops We believe that the best results in education are possible only in the presence of cooperation between parents and school. Those workshops are meant to help parents understand the Montessori philosophy and principles. They help with establishing consistency between the school and home life. Attending Parents Educational Workshops are free for parents whose children are enrolled in our Montessori Children’s House. Others, interested in participating can apply and pay an attendance fee. We are looking forward to seeing you and discovering together the wonders of Montessori philosophy.