CASA Programs
"Help me to do it myself"
Maria Montessori called her program for early childhood the "casa dei bambini" or the "children's house". The children's house program takes place in a homey setting that is scaled to and prepared for the child. Children are guided to work at their own pace with the self-correcting materials. The children work throughout their day in an environment with mixed age groups. The younger children benefit from learning by example or guidance from older children. The older children experience the opportunity to be leaders and mentors. Educators who are trained in the Montessori methods and philosophy guide them all through their work.
The activities in the Casa classroom centre around five main areas:
Practical Life aims to teach the child about care of the environment, care of self, life skills and grace and courtesy.
The Sensorial Area develops the five senses (touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing). Children manipulate the materials to understand their senses as well as strengthen their fine motor skills and coordination. Children are also introduced to left to right sequencing for reading and writing and the concept of 10 for the decimal system.
The Language Area offers opportunities for exploration and expansion of the child's spoken and written language. The sensitive period for language is birth to age 6. At this young age children absorb language very easily including vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Children learn to read and sound out words when they are taught the phonetic sounds of letters.
The Math Area has materials that allow the child to move from the concrete to the abstract. Children are able to build a solid foundation of mathematical concepts with the Montessori math materials.
The Culture Area is very exciting for young children. The materials arouse the children's interests and give them the freedom to explore and experience, as well as gain an understanding of the world around them. The culture area incorporates activities in Botany, Zoology, Geography, History, Art and Music.
Full day program
8:30am to 3:30pm
Half day programs
Mornings: 8:30am to 12:50pm
Afternoons: 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Before and after school care is available from 7:45am to 5:00pm.
Elementary Programs
"Help me to think by myself"
Montessori described the child at the elementary stage as having unlimited interests in our universe and their place in it. Therefore in the elementary classroom, children use hands-on materials to continue to explore math and language concepts as well as research into the sciences and the arts. A certified Montessori directress gives individual and small group lessons according to interest and need.
In this mixed-age classroom, the children have freedom of movement and verbalization within boundaries of respect, which enhances their social development and facilitates the free exchange of academic facts. Younger children learn from the older children. The older children benefit by reinforcing their knowledge and gaining self-confidence.
Students in the elementary classroom are expected to become responsible for their own education. Continued joy in learning, self discipline, organization of one's time, respect for classmates and participation in the community of the classroom as well as the larger community are hallmarks of success in the Montessori elementary classroom.
Parents who have had their children enrolled in Riverforest Montessori's Casa Program may choose to continue the experience with our Elementary Program. Elementary-age children who have been home schooled or who have attended a public or private school also may make the transition to the Elementary Program.
ELEMENTARY SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
French: The students in the whole school have regular French classes. The Casa French program is based on an oral comprehension of the language. The children learn vocabulary and conversational skills while singing songs and playing games. The Elementary program takes a holistic approach to learning French. The children speak, read and write French.
Music: Music is part of the Elementary curriculum. The music program incorporates singing, movement and playing musical instruments. Students begin learning a musical instrument as early as age 6. Private music lessons, such as piano, may also be available for children at the school.
Physical Education: The physical education program has several aspects to it. However, our over all goal is to introduce the children to different fitness activities and sports. In addition each child is encouraged to reach his or her own personal level of achievement while having fun.
Art: The children in the elementary program are introduced to the seven basic elements of art (line, shape, colour, value, texture, form and space). They begin lessons with a definition of the element and then they are given an opportunity to experiment with the element.
The school year begins in September and ends in June. The daily hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm. Before and after school care is available from 7:45am to 5:00pm.
SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MONTESSORI AND TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS
| MONTESSORI | TRADITIONAL |
|---|---|
| Ungraded three year spans | Graded one year age span |
| Teacher is an observer/guide | Teacher imparts knowledge |
| Child completes activities without interruptions | Activity cycles scheduled, children kept on schedule |
| Child chooses learning activities | School curriculum standard |
| Satisfaction derived from learning | Satisfaction from grades and competition |
| Students quiet out of respect | Quiet enforced by teacher |
| Children responsible for physical order in the class | Teacher responsible for physical order in the class |
| Environment provides discipline | Teacher provides discipline |
| Children encouraged to help one another | Children often in competition with one another |