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Principal: Adrienne West
Assistant Principal: Erin Goldenstein
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 8th Grade, Montessori Magnet and Kindergarten & First Grade, Fine Arts MagnetKankakee, IL 60901240 Warren Avenue(815) 802-4801(815) 933-0710 faxSchool Hours: 7:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.What is Montessori?- Montessori is a personalized approach to learning which recognizes that each child learns with a unique style and pace.
- Children learn best in a prepared environment which supports and respects their individual development.
- It is also based on the premise that the intellectual, physical and social needs of children are inseparable and equally important.
- The century-old Montessori education method is based on how children learn naturally and many believe it is the way every child should have the opportunity to learn.
- Montessori students develop positive attitudes about learning, a positive image of themselves as a learner and a strong sense of independence and responsibility.
- Montessori experience produces self-motivated, independent learners with characteristics that benefit them throughout their school years and into adulthood.
Curriculum
- Montessori children move from concrete to the abstract. The basic skills learned in the primary classrooms are polished in the elementary classrooms.
- Children go on to pursue their passions for learning. They are ready to explore culture, science, the arts, and the universe.
- Students learn to take responsibility for their own learning and initiate their own experiences.
Cultural Education
- All students participate in the schools annual project fair.
- Children become aware of the history and the needs all people share.
- Students gain global awareness.
Science
- Units of study cover topics in the life and physical sciences, characteristics and classification of living things, life cycles, botany, matter, energy, the solar system and weather.
Language Arts
- Phonemic Awareness
- Word Building
- Phonics Instruction through district and Montessori Materials
- Grammar/Sentence Analysis
- Guided/Shared Reading Instruction-90 minute
Math
- Students work from concrete to abstract
- Montessori math materials enhance math curriculum
- Math Curriculum is hands-on problem solving
- Junior high students take Pre-Algebra and Algebra course work
How is Montessori Different than the Traditional Classroom?
Traditional
Montessori
Teacher Centered Student Centered;Students choose activities to work onDirect Instruction Teacher prepares the environment and acts as the facilitator Abstract Concrete to Abstract Single Grade Classrooms Multi-Grade classrooms What to Think How to Think Teacher as Authoritarian Teacher as Guide; Peer helpers Assignments Work plans and projects