MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY: EMERGING BUTTERFLIES
By Ms. Mumtaz Saleh, Montessori Director Liaison DSS
The dynamics of a Montessori Classroom lies in the coexistence of harmony and peace. Love is universal. At Minaret Academy, this love for a child is unconditional, yet its functions have conditions. The teachers in our Montessori Program understand the child’s inner need for success. As adults, we respect the child who has the need to develop and those who need solace. Most of all, we respect the child who cries out to us in rebellion. These are examples of a child’s developmental stages.Just as a butterfly evolves from a mere caterpillar, the child is not only forming his intelligence and physique but building his character as well. By Montessori standards this process is referred to as “the will: to do or not to do. To comply or not to comply.” The butterfly goes through a metamorphosis completing its term. When the butterfly first emerges from the cocoon, it cannot fly immediately. Why? Because its wings are wet therefore it must be protected until they are dry and can fly away. What would happen to the butterfly if the insect was “helped” with too much human interaction? The weakened wings may become injured and adhere their ability to fly. This is exactly what happens to a child’s psyche when it is stressed out with pressure from adults or peers. A Montessori teacher must ensure an organized, spacious, and stimulating learning environment so they can observe the child’s flight into endless discoveries and progress at their individual pace. Here, at Minaret Academy, we have integrated the mission of “montessori” - a scientific method of education, hand in hand with Islamic values & morals, so that our young children will absorb, understand, grow. Then : Emerge ! Into society as self directed learners and motivated future leaders.
Minaret Academy has 4 Montessori classrooms with 18-24 students in each classroom from 2 ½ to 6 years of age with two full time teachers present at all times. Montessori students also learn Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies. Montessori approach focuses on the spirit of the child and helps develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Our teaching method is rooted in self-directed activities, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Our Montessori classes are licensed by the California State Department of Social Services.
Students learn through hands-on discovery in a strategic environment that is conducive to the child’s developmental needs. Teachers strive to help each child gain self-esteem and confidence as they grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Students progress steadily from one success to another, prepare for academic challenges, learn to master arithmetic, reading and writing, cooperate with peers, experience the wonder of nature and science, use their imagination, express their individual thought process through creative art and work independently in a cohesive prepared environment.