PHILOSOPHY

Wyndmoor Montessori School believes that the education of each child includes social,
emotional and cognitive development in a "prepared environment” to enhance children’
s freedom, order and self-discipline.

Montessori is:
    • observation of and respect for the natural development of the child
    • children learning and developing at their individual pace
    • classroom environments equipped with developmental activities designed to
      meet individual needs of the child
    • non-competitive atmosphere
    • respect for the individual learning characteristics of each child

    Goals of the Montessori Curriculum

To assist in the development of the child as a human being
To present learning as a happy, joyous experience
To develop a positive attitude toward self, others, the school and the community
To offer an educationally prepared environment that will allow the
child to achieve their highest potential.

INFANT, PRE-TODDLER, and TODDLER PROGRAM
(6 weeks – 3 years)

Wyndmoor Montessori School provides a nurturing environment for Infants/Pre-Toddler environment for children ages 6 weeks to 18 months and for Toddlers environment for
ages 18 months to 3 years.  Placement is primarily based on the developmental level of
the child.  The Montessori Infant/Pre-Toddler and Toddler environment are a continuum
between two basic needs in the developing child from birth to three years of age.  One
is to provide a sense of security and the other is the support for a growing sense of
self.  Such environments are aesthetically pleasing, ordered and simplistic in design.

The focus of the Infant environment is fostering basic trust in the child.  Foremost in the
environment is the teacher/caregiver whose respectful response to the infant’s needs,
both physical and psychological, conveys the message of safety and acceptance.  The
teacher/caregiver assists each child’s unique pattern of natural development through
keen observation of the child’s sensitive period for language, movement, order and
follows the child’s evolving need to become independent.

As the Pre-toddler develops, the physical environment becomes increasingly
significant.  It differs greatly from that of the infant, yet continues to meet the child’s
need for warmth and security.  A safe atmosphere must be provided in order to allow  
freedom of movement, exploration and cognitive motor development through the child’s
interaction with environment.  Increased ability in the Toddler, as well as an intense
need to develop independence, demands an environment that encourages the
transition from the dependent state of infancy.  

The role of the parent remains paramount in both the Montessori Infant/Pre-Toddler
and Toddler environments.  Emphasis is placed on creating a trusting, collaborative
relationship during this formative period to foster development of a healthy personality
and the fulfillment of human potential.

A daily written report  is prepared to inform parents of their child’s activities (i.e. nap,
eating, disposition)


PRE-PRIMARY PROGRAM
(3 years - 6 years)

The Pre-Primary program involves a series a sequential, developmental, manipulative
and sensorial activities that are designed to ultimately bridge the gap between concrete
and abstract learning.

The Montessori Pre-Primary Classroom is divided into five basic areas:

    1.        Practical Life
    2.        Sensorial
    3.        Language
    4.        Mathematics
    5.        Natural and Social Sciences


Practical Life – develops independence and a sense of order through the use of
“practical life”  materials.  This area includes lessons in “grace and courtesy”, the care
of the environment, care of self, as well as a variety of activities that facilitates   
development of fine and gross motor skills.  Through repetition of the practical life
exercises, the child attains a sense of order, concentration, coordination and
independence as well as establishing a foundation for future learning.

    Sensorial – contains materials which aid in the development of the intellectual
    senses.  The materials are designed to advance the child’s ability to define
    qualities such as color, size, sound, texture, and shape,  In addition, they
    strengthen the visual, auditory, and tactile senses.  Often described as self-
    correcting and diagnostic, the sensorial materials are concrete representations
    of abstract concepts.

Language – introduces the reading and writing process.  The language materials and
strategies develop visual and conceptual memory through sorting, classification,
matching,  rhyming and language games.  The classroom environment is designed to
incorporate language into every activity.  Language development is encouraged
through freedom of conversation by enabling language to become an integral part of
the life of the classroom.  There is a continuous encouragement of self-expression and
communication, child to child, and child to adult.

    Mathematics  - offers the children a concrete mathematical experience with
    numerals.  The Montessori materials allow children to build a concrete foundation
    for abstract mathematical concepts.  The manipulative materials build upon the
    child’s solid understanding of what makes a number.  Once a firm grounding in
    the concept of numbers from one to ten, has been established, the child can
    explore the concepts of addition and subtraction,   building a conceptual image of
    the process of manipulating numbers.

Natural and Social Sciences – provides children the opportunity to explore and gain
insight into their world.  Through the concept that peace and humanity work together,
children are taught to respect and appreciate the interrelationship of all living things.
with her immense faith in children gives hope to future generations.


ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
(6 years – 12 years)

The Montessori elementary program builds upon the pre-primary experience as the
basis for academic learning.  At all levels, the child moves from concrete experiences  
to abstract concepts.  Children work independently, in pairs, or as a  group in an open
classroom environment.  Class size is traditionally small in order to support each child in
developing to their fullest potential.

Elementary education surveys the wonders of our culture, mathematics, language, and
science.  Wyndmoor Montessori’s goal is to help each child develop a sense of
responsibility toward behavior, achievement, and life.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

In addition to regular curriculum, all Toddlers, Pre-Primary, and Elementary students
receive bi-weekly Yoga, Spanish, and Music Appreciation instruction.  

To relate to the core curriculum, activities such as music, arts, nature, geography,
creative dramatics, culture, swimming (during the summer program), nutrition,
interactive history, classical literature, fine arts,computer instruction and cooking are
incorporated into  programs for Pre-Primary and Elementary students.  Elementary
students also participate in a physical fitness program.

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"A Tradition of Excellence in Education"
Wyndmoor Montessori School
Programs
•Infants • Toddlers • Pre-Primary/Kindergarten• Elementary
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