The Montessori at the Y Primary Program provides an enriching developmental experience in an environment that encourages personal respect and responsible freedom. Our classes also offer socialization and formal learning experiences for the young child. Fine and gross motor coordination activities, singing, stories, learning units and manipulation materials keep the child happy, busy and stimulated.
Typically, second year Montessori students have had their year of independent exploration and concentration, and are now turning their focus outward, becoming more interested in their classmates and the social world of school. They are developmentally driven to practice social interactions and explore group dynamics. They continue to practice their independent work habits, but also begin more teacher-directed activities, and may do much of their work in small groups, rather than independently.
Typically, third year Montessori students have a strong background in all areas of the classroom, and are able to work entirely independently. They are developmentally ready to become leaders and peer teachers, both with academics and with social skills. They continue to define their good work habits, as they accept responsibility for their own learning. These children are self-confident, creative-thinking problem-solvers, who are well-equipped to move on to a new environment for their elementary years.
Montessori at the Y School Staff
North American Montessori Certified Teachers
Lead teachers and assistants all have degrees or childcare experience
CPR/First Aid training, AEA training classes, and background checks.
Montessori at the Y Sample School Schedule
7:00am – 9:00am before school care
9:00am – 12:00am Montessori Class
12:00am – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 2:00pm nap or extended day class time
2:00pm – 5:00pm after school care
After School Activities
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Afternoon activities for wrap around care include:
Afternoon snack, Music activities (singing, dancing, musical instruments)
Large motor skills activities with obstacle course, balls, and games
Pool activities, Outdoor play time with friends, Nature walks
Art projects, free art time, Circle time with stories and fun demonstrations
Quiet imagination play: independently or in small groups
** Must be registered for Montessori Class in order to attend Before or Afterschool Care (also must have a Y Family Membership
Montessori Preschool Classroom vs. Traditional Preschool Classroom
In a Montessori classroom, no matter what the day or time, you will see that no one is doing the exact same activity because everyone is following his or her own passion.
In a Montessori classroom you will notice that a teacher is not standing in front of the class explaining the daily activities to a large group. Instead, a Montessori teacher (called directress or guide) is providing one-on-one presentations to specifically meet the individual abilities and learning style of each student. This way, each child can learn at their own pace in a way that suits them best.
Inspiring children to actively explore the environment, becoming their own teachers, is our main task. For example, children engage in a plethora of art activities like painting, drawing, cutting, and sewing. They are never instructed what to illustrate, or put to paper. Whatever they decide to create, comes from within. No one knows better than him/her, in his/her own imagination, which creative path they should follow. The Montessori teacher’s job is to observe and follow each child’s individual passion.
In a Montessori school, children are not encouraged to compete with each other, they only compete with themselves. They support one another, to help one another learn without judgement or snickering if someone makes a mistake. The children innately understand that mistakes are part of the process.
In a Montessori classroom, there are no hierarchies. Classrooms are mixed age, so there is plenty of opportunity to learn from each other. Children do not need to raise their hands and wait to be called upon. They are not confined to a desk, table, or chair and they are always free to work in any part of the classroom that they please.
Why are all children so successful at a Montessori school? Why does this non-traditional method of learning work? Because Montessori students are doing exactly what they need to be doing, exactly when they need to be doing it. At the Montessori a the Y – your child will be encouraged to be Nurturing, Determined, Genuine, Welcoming, and Hopeful.
“First the education of the senses, then the education of the intellect.”
– Maria Montessori
Any Questions:
Contact BEKAH SANDERS
Director of Youth Development, ELC, MATY
bsanders@blackhawkymca.org
