The Kinderhouse Montessori Commitment

Kinderhouse Montessori School is committed to creating an environment for teachers and children where the Montessori principles can be applied. Three specific fundamental principles of nature are:

  1. Observation

    "Observation" - as a Montessori principle - is a total sensory awareness of an event or occurrence. Such profound sensory awareness by the adult is comparable to that of the scientist -- open-minded, non-prejudicial, inquiring, humble, patient.

  2. Individual Liberty

    The adult's commitment to "individual liberty" permits mistakes to occur in the classroom. Coercion, force or control of the child is inappropriate. Dr. Montessori observed that such complete freedom of choice for the child is vital to enable such qualities as self-discipline and independence.

  3. Preparation of the Environment

    "Preparation of the Environment" views the source of misbehavior in the child's environment. Thus, the Montessori approach to managing misbehavior and supporting the child's inner psychic development is control of the environment, not the child. The environment of the child consists of other children, the adult and the physical objects around the child. The adult's own personality -- attitudes, values, beliefs, feelings -- is notably most resistant to effective "preparation". Dr. Montessori considered as vital the inner preparation of the adult. Integrity, courage, patience and humility are the foremost qualities of an effective Montessori teacher.

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Combining the Principles
The effective Montessori teacher applies these three principles with children as a "control of error" which effectively guides one in a creative process of conscious disengagement from direct involvement with the child. Dr. Montessori viewed this process as "doing nothing". She stated that "When I ask the child (what I can do to help him), he is so kind to answer me: 'Personally, please, do nothing. You can do nothing directly for me.’"

Education
These Principles allow us to create a unique environment that results in a natural education of the child. Each child learns at his own pace through careful observation by the head guide. The head guide also ensures that the child receives the right lesson for it's current sensitivity to maximize the absorption of the materials.