Montessori Parent Guide

Dr. Darin Tubb, Principal

(601) 736-4122

Dear Parents,

We would like to welcome you and your child to the Montessori community. At Woodlawn Preparatory School your child will experience a Montessori learning environment. Montessori education is a philosophy that is designed to guide the child through the various stages of physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth. The students absorb learning through their senses. All learning activities emerge from the use of instructional materials that enable the child to use his senses as aids to learning.

The primary goal of Woodlawn Preparatory School’s Montessori environment is to help students reach their fullest potential in all areas of life. Our activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination, spiritual growth, as well as cognitive preparation. As a result, this guide was created in an effort to provide some general information about the Montessori program for our new parents.

Many parents ask, “What is the Montessori approach?” Here are a few highlights listed:

Multi-age classrooms
Safe and nurturing classroom environment
Child-centered learning activities
Cross-discipline learning
Individualized instruction and curriculum
Writing before reading
Assessment by portfolio, checklist, anecdotal notation, and performance
Development of self-discipline, independence, and responsibility
Allowing self-discovery instead of direct instruction
Fostering scientific and mathematical aptitudes
Nurturing appreciation for history
Instilling appreciation for cultural differences
School setting with a “family atmosphere”

We are proud to offer Columbia and the surrounding communities our Montessori program. The Woodlawn Preparatory School and its Montessori teachers will provide a stimulating learning environment in which all students’ learning needs will be met. If you feel that you would like additional information about WPS after reading the information contained in this guide, feel free to call, email, or visit us on the web. You can also learn more about Montessori by simply going to Again, we welcome you to Woodlawn Preparatory School and the Montessori community and look forward to serving you and your child in the upcoming school year.

Sincerely,

Darin G. Tubb, EdD

Principal

Table of Contents

Welcome

Montessori versus Traditional Education … pg. 4

Multi-age Group Classrooms … pg. 5

Overview of 3-6 Curriculum … pg. 6

Accreditations and Affiliations … pg. 8

Montessori Teacher Qualifications … pg. 8

Student Uniform Requirements … pg. 8

Student Progress Monitoring … pg. 9

Tuition … pg. 9

School Days and Hours … pg. 9

Instructional Schedule … pg. 9

Sample of Daily Schedule … pg. 11

Lunch ... pg. 12

Snack … pg. 12

Physical Education … pg. 12

Quiet/Rest Time … pg. 12

Parent-School Partnership…pg. 13

Unity Poem … pg. 14

“The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.”

-Maria Montessori

Montessori vs Traditional Education

MontessoriTraditional

Start at school early (2-3 years)Start at school late (5-6 years)

Three year age range in classroomOne age (grade) in a classroom

Freedom to move around the roomSeated at desks

Family atmosphereLittle socialization

Individual and small group lessonsLarge group lessons

Self-correcting materialsTeacher as source of answers

Natural and logical consequencesRewards and punishments

Child-centered environment Teacher-centered environment

Long, free work periodsPlanned activities all day

Enhanced curriculumGrade-level only curriculum

Emphasis on learningEmphasis on grades

Emphasis on “self” controlTeacher as disciplinarian

Peace in educationPunishment

Strong school/home tiesLittle parent involvement

Freedom within limitsControlling environment

Observation based progress reportGraded report cards

and mastery of materials

"Mental development must be connected with movement and dependent on it.”

-Maria Montessori

Multi-age Group Classrooms

Montessori education is a system for the education of children from birth through age eighteen. It is based upon principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori throughout her life.

The focus of this system is the development of materials, educational techniques, and observations, which support the natural development of children. The teacher in a Montessori classroom serves less as an “instructor” and more as a guide and facilitator. Children are encouraged to “learn how to learn,” thus gaining independence and self-confidence. Because the method is based on developmentally appropriate activities, the child often learns through the process of education by doing.

The Montessori classroom is designed to accommodate various stages of development in children, which occur in roughly three-year cycles. From birth to three years of age the child is absorbing directly from the environment, almost as a sponge. It is during this phase that many language and motor skills are acquired without formal education.

During the second phase from three to six years of age, the child reaches a different stage in which repetition and manipulation of the environment are critical to the development of concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order. The child learns skills for everyday living, sorting grading, classifying – all which lead to the development of writing, reading, and a mathematical mind.

When the child reaches the next phase of development, ages six to nine, the imagination of the child is the key to learning. At this stage there is an increasing awareness of the world and an interest in its wonders. The classroom can now excite the child by using this increased imagination to explore the universe. During this phase the child is presented with “the big picture,” an overview of the relationship of things. The curriculum works from the large concept to the more refined. Concepts are introduced through hands-on materials that encourage and engage the child and assist in an understanding of concepts before they are committed to memory.

As the child enters the next phase, from nine to twelve, the world is an ever-expanding place. The horizons of the imagination increase and concepts may be presented and abstracted with fewer manipulative materials. The students’ hands-on activities broaden in scope and include practical application outside the classroom. Projects become more involved and diverse in nature.

Because the child goes through these various stages, Montessori classrooms are organized in three-year groupings. This allows greater flexibility in meeting each child’s individual needs and permits the child to develop with fewer social transitions. The environment becomes the “teacher,” with the child as the initiator of his/her own education.

“The child has his own laws of development…it is a question of following these…not imposing ourselves upon him…”

-Maria Montessori

Overview of 3-6 Montessori Curriculum

Practical Life

Practical life forms the core of the child’s work. This area aids the child’s development in: care of the person, care of the environment, control of movement and social relations. This area is the foundation for subsequent academic learning because it provides:

A sense of order; a task’s beginning, middle, and end
A sense of independence- “I can do it by myself.”
A sense of coordination- the child brings his/her muscles under his/her own control.
Most important of all, an ability to concentrate, because learning can only occur when concentration is present.

Tasks are broken down into simple steps so that the children learn to button, tie, zip, buckle, pour, wash tables and chairs, polish silvers, brass and wood, wash and hang clothes, sweep the floor, prepare and serve food for themselves and others, all with grace and courtesy. As soon as the child has the basis for integrity; given by the experiences of practical life, she/he moves to sensorial.

Sensorial Area

Between birth and six years, the child has a special sensitivity to sensorial impressions. Therefore, Dr. Montessori designed sensorial materials to help the child develop his/her senses and powers of observation. This development of children’s physical sense enhances their readiness for greater intellectual work. The child works with Montessori sensorial materials designed to develop and train his/her sense of:

Taste: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, etc.
Hearing: pitch, tone, loud and soft, etc.
Sight: many series of blocks for long and short, broad and narrow, small large, and puzzles with geometric shapes
Touch: smooth and rough, hot and cold, heavy and light, etc.
Smell: spices, herbs, flower scents, etc.

There are also activities for the development of the senses of balance, and concepts such as shortest to longest, smallest to biggest, smooth to rough, and color tints.

Through the use of these materials, children begin to sharpen their awareness and increase their perception of the world around them.

Math

Concepts of Montessori math are always first presented in concrete, manipulative terms, and only later when the child has understood the meaning and use of symbols by using Montessori materials are more abstract forms introduced. The materials are designed to help the child understand basic mathematical concepts, beginning with 1-10 (sandpaper numbers), associating quantity and numerals (spindle boxes) and extending to the concepts of the decimal system and place value. As the child progresses, materials such as the bead stair are used for working with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Children in a Montessori class never sit down to memorize addition and subtraction facts; they don’t simply memorize multiplication tables. Rather, they learn these facts by actually performing the operation with physical materials.

Language Area

Although language is one the four basic learning areas in a Montessoriclass, it spans every other area. Language consists of verbal skills, visual perception, and small muscle coordination. Therefore, language education begins with listening games, training the hand with the metal insets and puzzles, and familiarizing the child with the symbols of the alphabet using the sandpaper letters. The period for writing generally occurs between ages 3-1/2 and 4-1/2, and development in this area leads directly into the period for reading between 4 and 5.

A complete reading system is available to the students. Through the use of these materials, students gain an understanding that separate sounds can be blended together to make words. Even the learning of reading incorporates movement, from the tracing of the sandpaper letters to manipulating the letters of the movable alphabet to form words.

Geography /Cultural Studies/Science and Nature

The children are introduced to the three basic elements: land, air, and water. At first, the students use large wooden continent puzzle maps simply as puzzles. Gradually they learn the names of the continents, and then move on to country maps, studying climate, people and products. Culture units then cover food, dress and music from different countries, while typical geography units include world flags, land formations, the globe, beginning mapping (exploration of the neighborhood) and even the solar system. Hands-on projects reinforce geographic concepts, such as actually making island and peninsula land formations out of clay.

Students learn science and nature through simple experiments with familiar materials, such as sink/float and magnetic/non-magnetic as well as hands-on experiences of gardening, seeds and flowers. The students will also classify living/non-living, plant/animal and vertebrate/invertebrate. Classroom science units cover such topics as minerals, the official cycle of a butterfly, bones and skeletons, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. In addition, the calendar, seasons and telling time will be covered.

Accreditations and Affiliations

Woodlawn Preparatory School understands the importance of ensuring the quality and fidelity of our educational program by following the regulations, guidelines, and policies of certain accrediting organizations. Therefore, as part of a multiyear process, we will be seeking accreditation with the following organizations:

American Montessori Society (currently a member)

Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (currently in candidate status)

AdvancED (currently in candidate status)

Montessori Teacher Qualifications

Lead teachers at Woodlawn Preparatory School adhere to the same standards required by the Mississippi Department of Education to teach in a public school setting. That is, they hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education and a class A teaching license.

Additionally, Montessori teachers are required to complete a minimum of 18 – 26 months of additional Montessori curriculum coursework, on-site training, internship, and mentoring in order to receive their Montessori Early Childhood (3-6), Lower Elementary (6-9), and Upper Elementary (9-12) certifications.

Student Uniform Requirements

All students at Woodlawn Preparatory School will be required to wear school uniforms on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of the parent to purchase these uniforms for their child from French Toast at and clicking “shop by school” or by calling 1800-frenchtoast. Source Code QS5ZQWQ must be used when ordering.

Girls: The uniform for girls will be a light blue buttoned down blouse or a navy or gray polo shirt paired with the Woodlawn Preparatoryplaid knee lengthskirt or jumper. Gray, white, or navy tights or leggings are acceptable for the colder months.

Boys: The uniform for boys will be a light blue buttoned down shirt or a navy polo shirt paired with gray slacks or a light blue buttoned down shirt or a gray polo shirt paired with navy slacks. Boys shall have their hair cut neatly above the ears and collar. Boys in the 3-6 class may wear uniform shorts; however, 1st grade and up are required to wear slacks. Boys’ slacks can be purchased outside of French Toast but must be dress slacks. Cargo pants are not acceptable. Boys will wear a black or brown belt. Black/brown reversible belts are available from French Toast.

Shoes: Navy, gray, black, or white tennis shoes or canvas shoes or black or brown leather shoes are acceptable. No sandals will be allowed for boys or girls.

Outerwear: All outerwear must be navy or gray. This includes coats, sweaters, cardigans, etc.

Student Progress Monitoring

It is the Montessori philosophy that grades are similar to other extrinsic rewards; they have little or no lasting effect on a child’s efforts or achievements. The Montessori approach nurtures the motivation that comes from within, kindling the child’s natural desire to learn. Montessori teachers closely observe each child’s progress and readiness to advance to new lessons. Quarterly family conferences will be held in order for you to be apprised of your child’s progress throughout the year.

Tuition and Fees

The 2016-2017 school year tuition for Woodlawn Preparatory School is as follows:

1st child enrolled - $350.00/month

2nd child enrolled - $300.00/month

3rd child enrolled - $250.00/month

Each child thereafter - $250.00/month

Tuition will be paid through automatic draft from your checking account as 10 payments from August through May. Payment will be drawn the first business day of each month using Tuition Express.

There is a non-refundable registration fee of $125.00 due at the time of registration.

School Days and Hours

Woodlawn Preparatory School has endeavored to comply with Mississippi Department of Education regulations for independent schools and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools in creating a school week with 27.5 hours or more of instructional time. However, for the sake of valuing the time families have together, we have implemented a 4 day school week scheduled Monday through Thursday. The school hours arescheduled between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. It is expected that all children (including 3 and 4 year olds) arrive on time and stay for the whole day each of the 4 scheduled school days. The school will be opened to students on Fridaysat no extra tuition cost for parents who wish their child to attend 5 days a week. Fridays will be a day of specialized educational classes and activities in order to provide extra resources for your child’s academic and social development. Attendance is not required on Fridays.

Instructional Schedule

One of the key components of the Montessori classroom is the Prepared Environment. A Montessori classroom has been prepared with the specific purpose of providing opportunities for the student to discover and explore concepts using Montessori materials. Learning to carry materials with care, control one’s body, and to know when to be quiet or silent, all add to the beautiful quality of the Montessori Prepared Environment. The teacher in the classroom serves to guide the child as they learn about themselves, others, and the world.

On a daily basis, students work in three-hour work cycles. This three-hour time frame isuninterrupted. The work cycle is the time periodin whichthe students are engaged in lessons. Student lessons are given in four formats. They are individual lessons, small group lessons, child-led lessons, and/or class presentations. The students are free towork inthe four main work areas on lessons that they have been introduced to by their teachers. Those four main work areas are practical life, sensorial, language and math. In addition, students are engaged in cultural studies and science.During the work cycle, the teacher periodically observes students working and records anecdotal notes on students’ strengths and weaknesses to help drive their instructional decisions and develop work plans according to their individual needs.

At some point in the morning, students gather together for circle time. Circle time allows students and teachers to build community, share and exchange ideas, show and tell, review the ground rules, review classroom routines, listen to read alouds, and many other exciting things.

Sample of Daily School Schedule
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
7:30
-
7:45 / Arrival / Arrival / Arrival / Arrival
7:45
-11:45
11:45-12:15
12:15-12:45
12:45-
3:15
3:15-3:30
3:30 / Morning Work Cycle-
Community Meeting
Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, snack time, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, etc.), 20 minutes of P.E. for
3-6 included during this time.
3-6 yr old Lunch /
6-9 yr old P.E.
(30 minutes)
6-9yr old Lunch
(30 minutes)
Afternoon Work cycle begins for 3-6yrs
Afternoon work cycle begins for 6-9
This would include a continuation of the Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, fruits of the Spirit, etc.),20 minutes of P.E. for 3-6 included during this time, PreK3 and 4 years would nap during this time while 3-6 teacher works w/ Kindergartengroup
Clean Up
Dismissal / Morning Work Cycle-
Community Meeting
Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, snack time, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, etc.), 20 minutes of P.E. for
3-6 included during this time.
3-6 yr old Lunch /
6-9 yr old P.E.
(30 minutes)
6-9yr old Lunch
(30 minutes)
Afternoon Work cycle begins for 3-6yrs
Afternoon work cycle begins for 6-9
This would include a continuation of the Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, fruits of the Spirit, etc.),20 minutes of P.E. for 3-6 included during this time, PreK3 and 4 years would nap during this time while 3-6 teacher works w/ Kindergartengroup
Clean Up
Dismissal / Morning Work Cycle-
Community Meeting
Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, snack time, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, etc.), 20 minutes of P.E. for
3-6 included during this time.
3-6 yr old Lunch /
6-9 yr old P.E.
(30 minutes)
6-9yr old Lunch
(30 minutes)
Afternoon Work cycle begins for 3-6yrs
Afternoon work cycle begins for 6-9
This would include a continuation of the Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, fruits of the Spirit, etc.),20 minutes of P.E. for 3-6 included during this time, PreK3 and 4 years would nap during this time while 3-6 teacher works w/ Kindergartengroup
Clean Up
Dismissal / Morning Work Cycle-
Community Meeting
Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, snack time, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, etc.), 20 minutes of P.E. for
3-6 included during this time.
3-6 yr old Lunch /
6-9 yr old P.E.
(30 minutes)
6-9yr old Lunch
(30 minutes)
Afternoon Work cycle begins for 3-6yrs
Afternoon work cycle begins for 6-9
This would include a continuation of the Montessori Language, Math, Science, Culture, 3-6 Practical Life, 3-6 Sensorial lessons and works, library skills, music, art, religious studies (morality, character building, fruits of the Spirit, etc.),20 minutes of P.E. for 3-6 included during this time, PreK3 and 4 years would nap during this time while 3-6 teacher works w/ Kindergartengroup
Clean Up
Dismissal
Total Instructional Time _420_min. / _420_ min. / __420_ min. / _420 min.

Lunch