1. Sharing Montessori Brought to you by OkemosPublic Montessori @ Central, Okemos Public Schools

2. Biography

3.  Dr. Maria Montessori was born in Italy, in 1870. Later she became the first female physician in Italy.  In her medical practice her clinical observations led her to analyze how children learn, and she concluded that they build themselves from what they find in their environment.

4.  Dr. Montessori was placed in charge of a home for children from less fortunate families. These children were considered “unteacheable.” It was there in san Lorenzo that she founded the first casa dei bambini, or "children's house."  Following the lead of Seguin and Itard, Montessori used her scientific observation and study of the child to develop her philosophy.

5.  She found that the children could effectively learn through manipulation of materials.  Every piece of equipment, every exercise, every method Montessori developed was based on what she observed children to do "naturally," by themselves, unassisted by adults.

6.  Dr. Montessori’s schools opened up all over the world and her discoveries were sought out by numerous educators and world leaders.  Alexander Graham Bell invited Dr. Montessori to America in 1913. Other Montessori supporters were Thomas Edison, Ghandi and Helen Keller.

7.  She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times— in 1949, 1950, and 1951.  Maria Montessori died in Holland, in 1952.

8. Montessori Environment

9.  Montessori classrooms are multiage environments grouped by age (3-6), (6-9), (9-12), Middle School and High School. Due to our district’s configuration, our classes are 3- 6, 1 st /2 nd, ¾, 5/6, 7/8.  A trained Montessori teacher gives lessons to individuals or small groups, while other students work on various assignments.

10.  Students work at “their own pace” and teachers use observation and other assessment tools such as Reports, Presentations, Group Projects, Portfolios etc.  The Montessori curriculum specifically covers the subjects: Practical life, Math, Geometry, Language (Grammar, Writing & Reading), History (Cultural Studies), Geography (Earth Study) Botany, Zoology, Biology, Physical Science, and Peace Studies.  The basic components of practical life are the following: Care of the Self, Care of the Environment, Discipline and Deportment, Grace and Courtesy.

11. Okemos Public Schools and Edgewood Public Montessori ~ An Ideal Fit

12. Similarities  Students take the MEAP, participate in PE, Art, Music, Library, and Computer Lab, as well as fulfilling all state requirements and standards.  Our teachers are responsible for covering the CCS.  We use all the science kits provided by the district.

13.  Teachers belong to the OEA, received certifications from both American Montessori Society and the state of Michigan. We are supervised, and involved in the same activities as teachers from the Okemos School District.

14.  School clubs include Student Council, Chess, Culinary Club, and Green Team.  Safety Patrol is run and organized by the upper elementary students.  We attend field trips similar to the rest of the district, such as Wharton, MSU Gardens, Planetarium, Michigan Historical Museum, Capitol Building, etc.

15. Montessori Standards  The 2 or 3-year classroom grouping kindles a “family” atmosphere that encourages genuine respect among all members of the community.  All subjects are naturally integrated into the curriculum via Montessori teacher training.  The child takes an active role in his/her education and personal actions.  The students take an active role in solving peer conflicts. They create guidelines for a healthy school community with support from the Peace Curriculum.

16. Time Management  Each child in the program takes an active role in his/her learning by using a weekly (sometimes daily or biweekly if needed) work plan. The child is expected to complete all the assignments s/he is presented. The work plan is used as a tool to help organize and manage the child’s time. Upper el students use planners.

17. The Prepared Environment  Montessori classrooms model a prepared environment: A large, open space for floor work and teacher presentations. Shelves with didactic material carefully displayed in a specific order. The aesthetic emphasis is on the material. The work itself is the appeal to the child.

18.  We are grateful to be in a district that shares, cares, and includes everyone. We are teachers who enjoy the relationships we have already made with many of you.  The most authentic impression of the Montessori philosophy and classroom environment can be gained through personal observation and a lengthy exposure to the environment itself.