Programs

The Montessori Method of education is based on observation and the principle of freedom in a Prepared Environment. The adult caregiver and educator; the Guide, understands the Montessori philosophy and is skillfully trained to present the various Montessori materials when a child exhibits readiness. We strive to provide an unparalleled and individualized child care environment.

At Lawrence Montessori School, we observe, guide and nurture each infant and toddler lovingly and communicate with the parents daily on the child’s growth and development. Each child follows a routine based on her/his natural development. Children who are tired can rest or sleep whenever they need while others may be awake and happily engaged in purposeful activities. There is no by the clock activity, nap or eating routine in the Infant/Toddler community. Each child is nurtured at her/his pace and rhythm. We follow the child.

• The Practical Life activities develop eye-hand coordination, independence, fine motor skills, concentration, and the ability to follow complex series of actions all of which lay the foundation for later academic skills.

• The Sensorial activities are designed to develop cognition. Neurological connections are made when children explore and learn through their senses.

• The Pre-math activities that toddlers are immersed in are simple activities like how many items fit in a basket, how much juice can fit into the pitcher, or how far a ball will roll. Activities that involve quantity identification and numeration, and one-to-one correspondence are also presented at the toddler level.

• Even the youngest children are involved in a variety of Language Activities. Books with real pictures and simple stories are always available to support language growth, as well as sets of objects (animals, furniture, fruits, etc.) that increase a toddler’s vocabulary. The children also learn the signs for these items, giving them a way to converse about them even if their verbal language skills are not yet well developed.

• Art Activities are open-ended, allowing the children to create what they desire instead of what we want them to. The process of creating is considered more important than the product, and all different media are provided for the children to express themselves and to explore freely.

The Montessori materials offer hands–on (concrete) experiences in learning which lead to abstractions for later academic work. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared with the activities that aid this time of rapid neurological development in the child. The materials we offer to our youngest children are chosen to focus their energy with purpose for cognitive and sensorimotor development. Repetition of preferred activities refines skills and creates order, aids concentration, promotes large and small muscle control and thereby develops self confidence, self esteem and independence.

Butterfly Room Schedule

7:00 – 8:30 AM Flexible arrival

Free choice and Montessori work time*

Breakfast will be served to children arriving before 7:45AM upon request

8:30 – 8:45 AM Line Time**

8:45 – 9:30 AM Art or Montessori work time*

Diapering/Toileting

Clean-up and hand-washing before snack

9:30 – 9:45 AM Morning snack

9:45 – 11:00 AM Outdoor explorations (weather permitting)/inside creative movement play

11:00 – 11:30 AM Art or Montessori work time*

Diapering/Toileting

Clean-up and hand-washing before lunch

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Lunch Time

12:00 – 12:30 PM Clean-up and hand washing

Quiet reading time on cots

12:30 – 2:30 PM Naptime

2:30 – 3:00 PM Exploration time

Diapering/Toileting

Clean-up and hand-washing before afternoon snack

3:00 – 3:15 PM Afternoon snack

3:15 – 3:30 PM Line Time**

3:30 – 4:30 PM Outdoor explorations (weather permitting)/inside creative movement play

4:30 – 6:00 PM Flexible departure

Diapering/Toileting

Free choice work time

*Montessori work time

During the Montessori work cycle children engage in individual or group work. During this time both the adults and the children respect a child's concentration and do not interrupt a child who is learning and exploring. During this work time each child chooses an activity, completes it, and returns it to the shelf. After the successful completion of an activity the child has the opportunity to reflect on their success. We often see the children choose to work on the same activities many times to perfect their efforts. Dr. Montessori noticed that after the work cycle there is a great sense of satisfaction and the desire to do more work. Our materials are designed to build concentration, support independent learning, encourage the child’s natural desire to learn, and explore as well as lay the foundations for future academic work.

**Line Time

Line time is an enjoyable time for our toddlers. During line time we gather collectively and sing songs, read stories, perform finger plays, present basic concepts of math and science, and learn about the environment around us. We work on developing language skills as we name common objects found in our classroom, our homes, and in the larger community.