How would you describe a Montessori child?
Children in our classrooms are confident, self-directed learners. They are independent, careful, thoughtful, curious, creative and joyful. Students are constantly learning through inquiry which means that they are asking the big questions and searching out the answers. Montessori classrooms do not focus on reward or punishment as a means of motivation. Rather, they nurture a love of meaningful learning activities and inner focus and discipline.
How do teachers motivate the children?
Every moment in the Montessori classroom is thought out and structured to engage students actively in the learning process. Teachers guide students to deepen their knowledge in different areas of study that they are currently interested in and lead them to new ideas.
Will a Montessori Program challenge my child academically?
Children graduating from the CHM program not only exceed the prescribed learning outcomes but also have strong concentration skills, refined work habits, are self-motivated and reflect a true love for learning. These skills will serve them well as lifelong learners.
How does my child actually learn in the Montessori classroom?
In our student-centred classrooms, children are free to develop at their own individual pace that fits their specific strengths, challenges and interests. One-on-one lessons with a teacher and daily activities are targeted to each child’s interest making the learning perfectly tailored to each student.
Does my child ever work in groups or is it all individual work?
Children choose how they want to work throughout the day. There is time to be together as a whole class group, time to work in small groups or partner groups and also the opportunity to choose to work individually.
Do the children go on Field Trips?
Students in all programs go on one field trips a month. The cost for these trips are included in the tuition.
Do you spend time outside?
Yes, we spend a minimum of 15 minutes outside playing.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
Yes. In order for our program to function at its best, all children must be fully toilet trained.
Should I call the school if my child gets a contagious illness?
Yes, please. In circumstances where the illness your child has contracted is contagious, we need to notify other students in the school in order to contain the illness as best as possible.
My child is sick, should I send him/her to school?
Do not send your child to school if there is any question of illness. In accordance with the Health Unit regulations, a child must wait 48 hours before returning to school after vomiting, diarrhea or fever has ceased.
What is the emergency contact phone #?
This is a person that the school will contract if we cannot get a hold of you.
What are the emergency procedures for the school?
In the event that the school has to be evacuated due to an emergency, the directress will first attempt to call parents using the school’s emergency cell phone. If the phone lines are down in our local area and the cell phone service is down as well, the directresses will call our out of town contact. The directresses will relay information about the children and the parents can call the out of town contact to get information.
What happens if I’m late to drop off my child?
It is always best to inform the school if your child will be late.
Do I need to pack a snack?
No, you don’t! A snack bin is provided to a parent at the beginning of the week and that family is responsible for bringing healthy snacks into the classroom. Examples are provided.