Independence
Children are able to choose their own work, become engaged, construct their knowledge and complete it to their satisfaction. Guidance is given and children are able to seek help when necessary.
The Casa Program provides students with a firm foundation for all further learning. Classrooms have inviting hands-on materials in the areas of language, mathematics, sensorial, practical life, geography, cultural, science and French. By manipulating materials, children start their understanding of concepts in these areas with a firm concrete base. By providing freedom within limits, children are allowed to work individually at their own pace and develop a self-motivated love of learning. Self-discovery materials help develop a mind that can independently solve problems and think critically. A love of learning results which prepares the child for a lifetime of education.
The Casa classroom is divided into five different areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Culture- geography, botany, zoology, science. Within these areas, the materials are logically organized from simple idea to the complex, and from concrete to the abstract. Each area has hands-on materials which are geometrically shaped, simply designed, aesthetic, and suitable for small hands. Interaction with these high-quality materials rewards the child with a range of sensorial experiences.
Children are able to choose their own work, become engaged, construct their knowledge and complete it to their satisfaction. Guidance is given and children are able to seek help when necessary.
The children upon observation, reflection, and/or discussion, should be capable of correcting their own work. They should be able to manage the various materials with a clear sense of purpose, leading them to further understanding.
Children are able to work for the pleasure of doing so, without rewards or fear. Children routinely demonstrate newly achieved competencies to one another.
The children are encouraged to develop qualities of citizenship and stewardship through an understanding and respect for cultural diversity and environmental awareness.
Children demonstrate social responsibility and leadership skills, such as empathy, communication, initiative and resiliency.
The teacher nourishes and encourages spontaneity and expressions of the joy of learning.
Children are acquiring academic skills appropriate to their age and stage, their interests, their abilities, potential and achieving individualized success.
There are opportunities to develop and practice the qualities of peace and conflict resolution in their interactions with others.
The children approach the teacher with ease and confidence, reflecting a personal connection and a sense of security.
The teacher shows an understanding of children’s progress and keeps clear and adequate records, as a continuous form of assessment.
The teacher reflects the essential qualities of respect, order, enjoyment and engagement.
Children should be able to manage the classroom rules that have been established. They should demonstrate a level of discipline with or without the direction and correction of an adult.
At Waterdown Montessori, our Admissions Process is designed to help parents understand what is involved in the Montessori program, and ensure that parents are educated about this philosophy of education before registration.
Coming into the School for a visit and an optional observation is the first step in our admission process. Please contact the front office at 905-689-2171 to schedule your personal tour. This serves as a great opportunity to visit our campus, observe in our classrooms, meet the teachers, and learn more about our programs and the enrollment process.
As part of your visit, you have the option to observe for 20-minutes in one of our classrooms. It is recommended that your child(ren) do not accompany you for your observation.
During your observation, you will experience first hand what a Montessori environment feels like and you will notice:
Following your observation, an opportunity to discuss your own observations and questions will take place.
After your visit and observation, we welcome you to submit a completed application together with the non-refundable application fee. Kindly note that application submission does not guarantee enrollment as we receive more applications than spots available.
A Montessori education is most effective as a three-year cycle and in a classroom community with a balanced ratio of ages and gender. Our admission process, therefore, takes into consideration the long-term educational goals of the parents as well as the balance required in the classroom.
Final placement decisions will be made by the Head of School with input from parents, teachers, and records. Interviews and classroom visits by the student and parents may be required before a final enrollment decision is made. The Head of School’s decision will be based on the needs of the child individually and as part of the classroom community.
We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and show you our classrooms of actively engaged learners.