“Where the child is guided by nature.” CALL US: 253-857-8051
The Montessori Farmhouse School
is an environmentally-based Montessori educational program whose purpose is to foster independence, critical thinking, respect and responsibility to self,
to others and to the earth.
OUR GOALS FOR LEARNING
Montessori Farmhouse School was founded in 2003. The mission of our school is to create, implement, and
maintain an atmosphere of educational excellence for every child, parent and teacher through a balanced and
prepared environment based on an enriched Montessori philosophy.
The goals for the children who attend Montessori Farmhouse School are:
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Develop a positive attitude toward school and learning
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Develop a sense of high self-esteem
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Establish habits of concentration for lifelong study skills
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Develop and foster a deep curiosity
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Exercise habits of initiative and persistence
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Foster inner discipline and a sense of order
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Learn sensory-motor skills so as to attain the ability to discriminate and judge
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Develop socially acceptable behavior
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Acquire the basic skills necessary for a lifetime of learning
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Experience fulfillment through high self-expectations
The child will perfect their own abilities through exploration, imitation, repetition, and trial and error. The Montessori materials used in the classroom are specifically designed to serve as a springboard for the child’s exploration of particular concepts and skills in a sequential manner as they master lessons before moving on to their next challenge.
"The Montessori Farmhouse was the only school I considered for both of my children. The environment and philosophy is like no other in the Gig Harbor/Port Orchard area. This school has shaped my children in the most positive ways. My best decision as a new mom!"
- Chessa Spalding
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MONTESSORI BASIC PRINCIPLES
The basic principles of the Montessori Farmhouse School are centered around the Montessori method in developing the whole child - physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Opening the scope of education allows for an approach to learning that values the human spirit and respect for the child's natural curiosity.
Qualities of an Authentic Montessori Program Include:
• Multiage groupings that foster peer learning
• Uninterrupted blocks of work time to enhance concentration
• Guided choice of work activity to create independence
• A full complement of specially designed Montessori learning materials, arranged and available for use in an aesthetically pleasing environment
These basic principles practiced daily in the classroom will guide
the children in learning the following lifelong skills:
1. Responsibility to self, to others and the Earth
2. Independence and critical thinking
3. Value of interests and curiosity
4. Respect for working and natural environment surrounding us
How do you teach this?
A. The teacher prepares the environment with materials that encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order.
B. The child is able to develop herself by making individual choices from the materials in the environment and interacting with peers and the teacher when support and/or guidance are needed.
C. The Montessori materials in the environment allow children to learn through sensory-motor activities that develop their cognitive powers through direct experience: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching, and movement.
Observe > Practice > Teach > Know
The Learning Triangle
We're glad you asked! Take a look at our simple chart that outlines the clear differences between the two approaches to education. We think you'll agree that the Montessori philosophy is the most inclusive method for educating the whole child.
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When a child first enters into a Montessori classroom, the many and variety of activities are sometimes overwhelming. To begin, the teacher will introduce a few activities which they know a child will have success with. Next, a child is shown the “how to” through observing and many opportunities are given to repeat the activities over again to gain the understanding of the work as well as the movements involved. After time, each child achieves mastery and confidence to now demonstrate to others their skills and knowledge. The final step is key to solidify their understanding.
Parent and Teacher conferences are held twice throughout the school year, in addition to ongoing invitations for Parent Nights where in-depth lessons are demonstrated and conversation around learning is fostered by our family community.
How will my child transition to
a Montessori environment?
How can I help my child thrive?
The Montessori environment is unique to early learning with its busy hum of student activity that feels like a chorus of focused worker bees concentrating on their individual contributions to the collective community of the hive while showing respect for silence and focus. Young students introduced to the Montessori philosophy quickly learn how to show grace and courtesy to others, often offering to help a fellow student while addressing each other respectfully.
The way that materials are organized can also influence the harmony of the working environment. Freedom of movement is important for exploration and is the intention for designing uncluttered spaces with a layout that considers the flow of the room for group activities or individual work where students can spread out their work on mats. Many of the learning materials are defined in spaces for language arts, math and culture with inviting materials for the students to freely engage with on accessible shelves that help foster independence. There is a proper place for each and every material, giving a sense of harmony and structure that both comforts and inspires creative work.
WHY MONTESSORI MATERIALS MATTER
