MONTESSORI

An Educational Alternative for Grades 1 - 6 - Available Free of Charge for Spokane Public Schools Students

Follow the Child Philosophy

The Montessori approach for the elementary-aged child has a unique set of procedures, materials and curriculum goals that are designed to enhance the child's entire life experience far beyond the immediate rigors of the classroom.  The Montessori approach views the life of the child as a developmental continuum, each stage having its base in the preceding one and each stage, in turn, preparing for the next.  Education is viewed as part of this continuum, not so much as a separate event in life, but as a preparation for life.

"We have clearly shown that a child has a need to observe, to reflect, to learn, to concentrate, to isolate himself, and also from time to time suspend his activities in silence.  It is our duty to direct a child's activities, sparing his useless efforts which would dissipate his energies, divert his instinctive search for knowledge . . . . The education of even a very small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school but for life."
- Maria Montessori

Choosing the Montessori Program - Questions to Consider

Regarding philosophy:

• Am I supportive of an educational philosophy which encompasses academic goals as well as: social service, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, environmental education, focus on process vs. product?
• Am I comfortable with curriculum that includes: evolution, multiculturalism, ecology?
• Am I comfortable with narrative progress reports and student work portfolios where numerical/letter indicators (grades) and grad level comparisons are not given?
• Am I prepared to make a six year commitment where learning objectives are met in a three-year cycle, not by grade levels?

As a parent:

• Am I willing to support and participate in Montessori activities as well as whole school activities?
• Am I willing to attend all parent education programs?
• Am I able to volunteer in the classroom or on committees in support of the program?

Is my child:

• Able to follow through independently with minimum of adult direction?
• Able to focus in a busy environment in which many activities are going on at once?
• Able to work at an individual pace within a multi-age classroom?

Classroom:

Multi-age grouping allows for the younger child to learn from the older through observation, and for the older child to reinforce knowledge by teaching the younger.   It also allows for more group options because of the wider range.

The Montessori classroom is designed for the child to begin with concrete, manipulative materials and move from these, through visualization, to the abstract.

Using materials unique to the Montessori classroom, the environment is prepared to encourage:

• Individualization
• Freedom of choice
• Concentration
• Independence
• Problem-solving abilities
• Opportunities for peer interaction and collaborations
• Experiential learning

Teacher:

The Montessori teacher is trained in all aspects of the AMI Montessori curriculum.

"It is not enough for the teacher to restrict herself to loving and understanding the child; she must first love and understand the universe."    - Maria Montessori

Program Goals

Intellectual:  The learner becomes an independent thinker through:

• Mastery of the tools or skills for pursuit of knowledge.
• Understanding of information retrieval and media application.

Content:  The learner gains an understanding and awareness of:

• The evolution of life.
• The interdependence of humans and nature.
• The interdependence of humans and nations.
• The personal responsibility toward the future of the world as a whole.

Physical:  The learner masters and controls body movements through the development of:

• Fine coordination necessary for writing and materials manipulation.
• Gross motor coordination through physical education activity.

Emotional:  The learner develops a good self-image as reflected in:

• An awareness of personal feelings.
• A sensitivity to and consideration for the feelings of others.
• An awareness of his/her effect on others.

Montessori School Sites

• Balboa Elementary School (509/354-2220) - 3010 West Holyoke Avenue - Spokane WA 99208
• Jefferson Elementary School (509/354-3200) - 3612 South Grand Blvd. - Spokane  WA 99203

Contact People

District Staff:
Balboa Principal:  Pat Lynass- 509/354-2220
Balboa Teachers:  Robin Knight, Peg Troske, Jean Hauge, Colleen King - 509/354-2220

Jefferson Principal:  Mary-Dean Wooley - 509/354-3200
Jefferson Teachers:  Claudia Start, Sharon Bowman, Paula Gibson-Smith, Linda Bradley, Gayle Waner- 509/354-2220