What is Montessori?
What is a Montessori Education at George Bannerman Dealey Montessori and International Academy
Dr. Maria Montessori developed the concept of “normalization” to describe the process by which each child acquires certain personality characteristics that lead to success in the classroom and throughout life. A “normalized” child will love learning, be kind to others, develop concentration and good work habits, and become independent.
By the end of the first six-weeks of school, a normalized child is expected to be punctual and independently walk to class to begin their daily routines.
A normalized student should be able to self-select a work that has been taught and have the stamina to complete it. A work might consist of one or two cards from Montessori nomenclature such as Botany, Zoology, History, Geography; Math, Geometry, Grammar, Word Study, and various other extensions that compliment Montessori work. A student is expected to accomplish many works in a day. Due dates vary by grade and teacher to ensure that work is completed by the end of each six-week grading period.
Good work habits of a normalized child are: being self-directed, controlling movement around the classroom, selecting work, working diligently, and completing assignments on time.
As a public Montessori school, district and state testing is required for the students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Teachers at every level prepare the students by teaching the Montessori lessons, using Montessori materials, manipulatives, and supplementing with appropriate textbooks. Textbooks may be used to familiarize the students with vocabulary, question formats, and the use of strategies in preparation for testing.
Homework is given at the discretion of the teacher, either as weekly packets or daily assignments. Homework should be viewed as an extension to classwork, especially spelling and math. Projects are another form of extension that is used throughout the Montessori curriculum to enhance the child’s learning, creativity, and interests.
Since George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Vanguard and International Academy is a public Montessori, grading is a must. Dealey teachers adhere to a six-week time frame in which lessons are graded and placed into the online grade book. During each six-weeks, the students must independently complete work on time, turn in work as directed, study for any upcoming unit tests, and be up-to-date with all lessons. Parents have the opportunity to view their child’s grades via the online grade book.
Montessori Education Night, in the fall, is an opportunity for parents to understand how their child learns in a Montessori classroom. An overview of the Montessori environment and student expectations are presented, as well as, demonstrations of some of the Montessori lessons and materials. This is an excellent time for parents to get answers to questions they might have.
We look forward to a successful new school year with your child.