What is the Montessori Method?
The Montessori Method is an educational approach developed over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children’s learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a “prepared environment” in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Dr. Maria Montessori’s first Casa dei Bambini (“Children’s House”) in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.
What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?
Montessori education supports the individual personality and learning style of each child. It promotes the total development of the child and of the adult he becomes. The focus is learning how to learn, rather than what to learn. In a Montessori classroom children are free to move about the classroom choosing their work appropriate for their current stage of development. They are able to work at their own pace allowing the faster learners to move ahead and slower learners to take more time to gain a complete understanding of the topic. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
What special training do Montessori teachers have?
Waves of Wonder has a very dedicated, nurturing and high quality faculty. All our faculty are all properly qualified to teach the age, grade or program they are teaching. Our Montessori faculty, infant to Grade 6, has been trained in Montessori Training Centers. Lead teachers have credentials approved by American Montessori Society (AMS) and North American Montessori. All staff, working with our students are required to have a criminal reference check, background screening, DCF training, continual professional training, as well as First Aid and CPR certification.
Is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities? What about gifted children?
Montessori is designed to help all children reach their full potential at their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Students are engaged and are able to perform at their academic level without the limitations of grades.
Are Montessori children successful later in life?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.
What are the teacher to student ratios at WOW?
We believe in maintaining low ratios both for the benefit of our students and the Montessori environment. Below are the maximum ratios, which are often lower, for each classroom:
Infant 1:4
Toddler 1:6
Primary 1:12
Elementary & Middle School 1:15
What is the security at the school?
Security & Safety is of utmost importance, hence the school features a closed circuit 34 camera security system. Doors are locked at 8:30am. We use an intercom system with walkie talkies for each classroom.
What enrichment programs are offered at WOW?
The school currently offers the following enrichment programs: soccer (toddler through middle school), piano (ages 3 and up), dance (ages 3-6). These programs run during the school day on school grounds. Extra fees apply for these programs.
WOW is also a pioneer in Naples, as a bilingual school with Spanish language integrated into the curriculum.
I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori Method.
– Dr. Maria Montessori