Brighton Montessori Believes...

The Montessori method of education was developed by Maria Montessori, one of the first female physicians in Italy. Her study and observation of young children at the turn of the century resulted in fundamental changes to traditional methods of education.

Montessori believed in an upgraded process of education because children are unique and learning does not occur at the same time for all children. She also recognized that the early years, from birth to age six, are critically important to a child's lifelong learning and that particularly sensitive periods for comprehension and internalization exist.

The universally used Montessori materials were originally designed by Dr. Montessori. Believing "the child's mind is absorbent," these materials are developmentally appropriate and provide the child with educationally stimulating challenges. Within the carefully prepared environment of the Montessori classroom, the designed activities and controlled presentation of materials offer children a time-proven model for independence and success.

The Montessori method of education emphasizes learning through sensorial experiences. These hands-on learning activities facilitate the development of inner control and more complex reasoning. It is through the organized use of the didactic materials within the prepared environment of the Montessori classroom that these ends are achieved.

Brighton Montessori seeks to educate the whole child by valuing the uniqueness of each child and by providing a quality, personalized learning experience in a nurturing atmosphere.

The Brighton Montessori Curriculum is based on the guidelines of the American Montessori Society. Students learn by progressing at an individual rate while being encouraged to increase self-motivation. Children move themselves toward learning by using developmentally appropriate materials. The teacher prepares the environment, oversees interactions within the classrooms, and offers varying stimuli depending upon the needs of the particular child. The collaborative environment of the Montessori classroom provides order and encourages the child to develop according to own capabilities and pace. The child thus learns and is motivated through "work". The following seven basic curriculum areas provide this instructional framework:

1. The Practical Life / Everday Living Area
   Provides the child with the opportunity to explore activities which develop a sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence. Simple food preparation, housekeeping skills and eye/hand coordination activities are presented.
2. The Sensorial Area
   Acquaints the child with pre-math materials and concepts. The child manipulates equipment which sharpens the senses and encourages understanding of the many sensory impressions received through them.
3. The Math Area
   Offers the use of concrete materials which allow for easier assimilation of the many preprimary math facts and skills addressed in this area of study.
4. The Language Area
   Provides a multi-sensory approach to learning the complex processes of reading and writing. Much attention is given to development of the pre-writing and pre-reading skills. Eye and ear training are introduced and lay the foundation for reading the written word.
5. The Geography Area
   Introduces the child to the surrounding world. The continents and foreign cultures are noted and explored.
6. The Science Area
   Introduces the child to basic scientific principles and simple scientific concepts and are also presented on a developmentally appropriate level.
7. The Art Area
   Encourages creativity and the development of fine muscle coordination through cutting, punching, gluing, painting, etc. It also offers the child an opportunity to explore a variety of creative media.

In addition to these seven major areas of the Montessori curriculum, Brighton Montessori also includes a Foreign Language Program, and an Art and Music Enrichment program.