Since the primary goal of Montessori involves
creating a culture of consistency, order, and empowerment, most authentic
Montessori schools will expect children to attend five days a week.
At
the elementary level, both public and private schools run on five-day
schedules. Preschools, however, are a different story. Preschools (especially
traditional ones) typically offer a choice between two-day, three-day, and
five-day programs, so parents can choose the option that best fits their
schedule and what they feel their child can handle.
At
MCDC we only offer only a five-day schedule for our Primary Program serving
children ages 1.5 to 6. We believe the benefits of a five-day program are
immeasurable. Our policies and practices are child-centered. Children learn to
love learning by exploring and concentrating on their chosen activities. At our
school we offer them the freedom to repeat those activities without
interruption until they master them. This supports a child’s natural
learning process. Thus, we believe, a five-day program is in the best
interest of every young child. For children ages 1.5 to 4, you may choose
between a half-day and a full-day program. Children ages 4.5 and up attend
full-day programs.
Here is an Adult Perspective
Imagine you are very excited about beginning a new project today, such as learning to put together a scrapbook, knitting a sweater or building a new piece of furniture. You assemble the materials and begin. The joy of this process is very fulfilling, and you look forward to continuing tomorrow.
Something comes up, however, and you
can’t get back to this labor of love until Wednesday. On Wednesday you assemble
your materials, and the thrill of this work returns. You know, though, that
tomorrow you will again be unable to return to this work. On Friday your
enthusiasm is dampened. You have to assemble your work again, re-trace your
steps, and try to remember where you left off Wednesday. If this
frustrating sequence of on-again, off-again continues, you soon may lose interest
in the project.
It
is more so with children. Starting a new learning activity is easier with
consistency. It helps children maintain their enthusiasm and interest if they
are allowed to continue. Waiting entire days between stages of activities
causes them consternation, just as it does to you. The process of
developing longer and longer attention spans is also thwarted when whole days
intervene.
Additionally,
there are so many activities in a Montessori classroom that no child can possibly
complete them all in the school year. Imagine how much more learning can be
opened up for a child who doesn’t have to limit her or his attendance to two or
three days a week!
The
Montessori program is designed to meet each child’s interest at his or her
particular age. Missing out on many of these activities simply limits the
customized possibilities that a child can enjoy.
Furthermore; remaining in the same
Montessori program for this crucial Kindergarten year provides the opportunity
for children to reap the benefits of all the groundwork laid during their first
two years in the program. In
addition to the academic growth and acquisition of knowledge, the children have
the important opportunity to be role models and teachers for their younger classmates,
developing early leadership skills and further developing self-confidence. Participating in this program enables children to develop
more as independent and capable decision-making individuals.
Thank you for considering Montessori
Child Development Center, in Poway. Please visit our website mcdcpoway.com for more information.
Marijane Schafer, Director of Montessori Child Development Center
858-748-1727
Marijane Schafer, Director of Montessori Child Development Center
