Toddler (ages 18-36 months), Children’s House (3-6 year olds) Lower Elementary will add a grade each year up to 5th grade.
Salem Montessori School is 100% tuition based.
Montessori isn’t so much a “what” as it is a “who” question. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was Italy’s first female physician. She developed her method of education based on clinical observations on how children learn. She discovered the children’s effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, a tireless interest in manipulating materials, and an inborn desire to learn and do meaningful work. In 1907, she founded a school using child-centered methods and equipment based on her observations. Montessori’s work continues today in public and private schools throughout the world.
There are five key areas of learning that make up the Montessori curriculum: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language and Cultural. Each area helps your child learn and grow by stimulating their development through logical and creative experiences.
Children have small group instruction and circle time, have work cycle time and close the day with circle/group time before going outside.
We use positive discipline to solve conflicts. Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelsen. It is based on the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs and designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).
Children are encouraged to find their voice and develop effective communication skills as they take ownership. In Montessori classrooms for Children’s House and older, Peace Tables are designated spaces in the classroom environment where children can go to take a moment, calm themselves or work out a problem in a peaceful way.
An example of peace table guidelines are:
- Take turns to speak, and make sure you listen.
- Find out what you both need.
- List some ways to solve the problem.
- Choose the best idea together.