MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Oak Grove offers an education based on the Montessori Method. This method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, teaches the child how to learn independently and joyfully by providing a stimulating curriculum in a multi-aged “prepared environment.” The prepared environment is a carefully arranged classroom that offers specially designed, hands-on learning materials, displayed and easily accessible. The setting encourages independence in learning and allows children to develop at their own pace. The Montessori philosophy respects and embraces the natural world and the full view of cultures, knowledge and arts. It respects both the individual and the community in its efforts to provide a well-rounded education with the following emphasis:
Physical
Participation in play, fine and gross motor activities, fitness and performing arts reinforces the mind-body connection and enhances agility.
Intellectual
Hands-on material and teacher facilitated learning creates a stimulating curriculum, responsive to individual learning styles and developmental stages. This enables the child to be both the student and the teacher; it fosters order, independence and creativity. This provides a strong basis for scholastic ability and for optimizing intellectual potential.
Social
Adults and children in multi-age classrooms act as models for and encourage appropriate choices and behaviors that honor the feelings of self and others. This demonstrates mutual respect for members of the classroom, school and global communities. It also builds qualities of leadership and group contributions.
creative
Exposure to visual and performing arts strengthens and enhances intellectual and cultural development.
moral
Opportunities exist to learn and use ethical judgment and civility with the order of the classroom. With this, universal values such as respect, responsibility, honesty, self-discipline, compassion, perseverance, and loyalty are supported.
Oak Grove is dedicated to the Montessori philosophy and method of education. The aim is to enable a child to function in the environment independently. The underlying principle is one of freedom within established limits, which permits the child to gain self-esteem and self-reliance. With the close guidance of Montessori trained teachers, a child attending our school will be exposed to this method which promotes the development of the whole child and cultivates the child’s own natural joy in learning.
ARTICLES AND VIDEOS OF INTEREST
ARTICLES
Trevor Eissler "Montessori Madness!" - 321 FastDraw
Superwoman Was Already Here! - 321 FastDraw