The Montessori community is noticeably different from classrooms in conventional schools. Children in a Montessori community learn to make choices about their school work. Choosing challenging work or activities from a variety of areas is an important life lesson. Each room is filled with permanent materials arranged in sequence from the simple to the complex. The materials are attractive to a child and invite exploration; each is designed to be self-correcting while teaching the child mastery of a single concept. Materials at the elementary level reflect the more abstract concepts and advanced requirements expected of more mature students.
The Primary community at Pines Montessori School covers a three-year cycle for children 3, 4, 5-6 years of age. Each class is a multi-age grouping, balanced for gender and developmental stage. That means every student has a chance to be both leader and follower. Dr. Montessori showed that learning results from the interaction of a child’s internal thought and external experience in the world around them. To encourage children to explore this world and organize their knowledge of it, we prepare the classroom environment with activities and material that are appealing and enjoyable but serious in purpose and effect.
"The first essential for the child’s development, the child who concentrates is immensely happy." - Maria Montessori
