Perth Montessori school plans open house Feb. 10
Posted Feb 4, 2010 By Chris Must
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Chris Must, Perth EMC
Faye Kofoed builds a tower of blocks at Perth Children's House with help from Ruby Kofoed and Alyssa Lafreniere.
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Chris Must, Perth EMC
Sharing picture books are Wynne Kennie, left, and Lachlan Donnelly.
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EMC Lifestyle - A Perth school that has spent the past 36 years "producing wonderful leaders in the community" will open its doors to visitors Feb. 10.
Chris Must, Perth EMC
Perth Children's House students Ava Jamieson, left, and Christina Lafreniere.
Perth Children's House, a parent-run Montessori school, was established in 1974. Board member Darinka Morelli told the EMC she became involved in the school because "It's the best investment I could possibly make to my grandchildren's future."
More than 100 years ago Italian educator Dr. Maria Montessori founded the first "Children's House" in Rome. Based on her scientific observations of young children's ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings and their tireless interest in manipulating materials, she developed what ultimately became the Montessori method. The concept of "the absorbent mind" and the principle that "children teach themselves" inspired her life-long pursuit of educational reform.
Subjects such as grammar, geography, botany and zoology were generally thought to be beyond the capabilities of younger children. Now there is overwhelming evidence that such subjects can come with ease to children under six, said Morelli. In addition to high academic standards, she said, the method also fosters strong social skills, self-learning and leadership to help children reach their full potential.
"It's not one size fits all, it's individual development," said Morelli. The first five years of life are crucial formative years in determining future success, she added.
According to Amy Neron, an early childhood educator and supervisor at the school, "It's a program that meets the whole child's needs."
Neron said what makes the school unique is "the fact that the teacher sits down with each child" and is constantly aware of each individual's development.
The Perth Children's House is arranged into five distinct areas: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and geography/culture. All areas are equipped with special child-scale equipment to facilitate self-learning and discovery. The specialized, bright materials themselves invite activity, and each isolates one quality or concept. Moreover, the materials are self-correcting, said Morelli. When a piece does not fit or is left over, the child easily perceives the error, enabling him to solve problems by himself, building independence, analytical thinking, and the satisfaction that comes from accomplishment. Maps, flags, globes, booklets and models allow the children to explore the world, people, and customs.
The environment is calm, cooperative and respectful. "We focus on manners and being considerate to others," said Neron. "They have to shake our hands in the morning when they arrive."
The school has a "peace table" to resolve conflicts and the older students help the younger ones, said Morelli. "It's never a competition."
French, art, and music classes further enrich the program. Daily outdoor recreation takes place before classroom time, after lunch and at the end of the day. The outdoors becomes a natural extension of the classroom for activities such as gardening, collecting leaves, and discovering plants and earth organisms.
The program is three years in length. First-year students start with the basic activities and learn the school routines. Second-year students are called leaders-in-training and start taking leadership roles with younger children. Third-year students are designated leaders, and have specific roles to help run the classroom and mentor younger children.
Morelli said graduates of the school entering Grade One can read, write and perform math operations "at an exceptionally high level for their age, giving them an excellent start in education." Transitioning into the regular school system is very easy for these children, because by this time they have developed a good blend and abundance of social skills, confidence and academic ability, she said.
Perth Children's House Montessori School is a parent-run, non-profit, charitable organization, licensed as a daycare under the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and is a member of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA).
The school currently offers three program options for students between the ages of three and six. Children may attend the school full-time (full days, five days a week), half-time (half days, five days a week) or part-time (less than full-time or half-time).
The school is hosting an open house for interested parents Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. More information is available at www.perthchildrenshouse.ca.
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