Montessori has revolutionized early education through its award-winning teaching methods focused on observing and supporting the natural development of children.  Montessori education helps children develop creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment and to become fulfilled, independent, intelligent, forward-thinking adults. 

The basis of Montessori practice in our own classrooms here at Montessori Community School at Brookfield is the respect of individual choice of work and exploration, with uninterrupted concentration, rather than as larger group lessons led by adults.  Our spacious, light-filled classrooms with amazing views of the surrounding playground, woods, and grassy field, provide a safe, clean, bright and creative atmosphere for learning. 

While there are many times throughout the day at our school when activities, lessons and play (indoor and outdoor) -- music, reading, dancing, art, cooking -- are done as a group led by our teachers, the emphasis is on individual growth and development which is monitored, nurtured and supported by our teachers.  Studies show this successfully builds in children:  self-esteem, strong habits of concentration, independent curiosity, inner discipline, self confidence, and a wide variety of other critical life lessons that take Montessori children very far in the world.

Our classrooms are divided into logical areas of curriculum with traditional and creative materials that integrate various themes, lessons and disciplines for our students at all levels.  Our curriculum involves a wide range of skills, challenges and learning experiences designed to give the children confidence and encouragement to flourish. 

Here is an overview of what we focus on at Montessori Community School:

Sensory Development
The Montessori sensorial materials were designed to refine the child's senses. This includes visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, thermic, baric, steregnostic and chromatic. Refinement of the senses lays the foundation that prepares the child for work in all other curriculum areas.

Practical Life
“Practical Life” teaches the child to become independent in caring for themselves and their environment. This includes gross and fine motor skills, as well as grace and courtesy. Although the activities in Practical Life prepare the child for reading, writing and mathematics, the child also gains a sense of order, coordination and concentration, giving them the skills they need to move on to more advanced work. 

Reading and Language Arts
Language is based on experience. Thus, a stimulating environment rich in sensorial and language activities provides a wonderful foundation for reading and writing. The materials were created to engage children of all different learning styles and ages. Therefore, even the youngest children in the classroom can begin using the language materials.

Math
A child's hand grasping and exploring the world is the foundation of the mathematical mind. Through working with everyday activities such as collecting, counting, sorting, putting things in order, classifying, comparing sizes and colors, even carrying heavy objects, the child discovers relationships and patterns. The child is then able to continue on to more abstract materials, developing a deep understanding of the principles of mathematics.

Science
We have a strong focus on natural sciences at MCS.  Children learn about the flora and fauna from all regions of the world.  Through working with the classroom materials, they investigate how creatures adapt to their natural environments and discover their similarities and differences.  Science experiments are a vital part of our program and allow students to have a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Culture
Dr. Montessori said, “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.” We at MCS strongly believe that the key to a more peaceful world must begin with the children.  Cultural studies at our school focus on exposing our students to the diversity and richness of all the people of the world.  It is through this appreciation of differences that we come to the understanding of our sameness.    

Geography
Children have a natural curiously about other places in the world.  Through our geography curriculum, they are able to explore the natural environments, land forms, and bodies of water of our planet. 

Spanish Language
Our students have Spanish lessons several times a week led by an experienced native speaking Spanish instructor. We all know that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the greater chance they have to master the language.  Learning Spanish gives the children many advantages to be able to utilize throughout their lives.  Our Spanish lessons include colors, numbers, weather, seasons, song, dance, art and more.  

Art
The arts are an integral part of our classrooms.  Dr. Montessori understood that refining all of our senses offers the opportunity to enjoy the richness that life has to offer.  Children develop their own creativity using many different mediums.  The students not only create their own art work, but they also learn about the different styles of art and the masters of each style.

Music
Music is found throughout the Montessori curriculum and is a fundamental part of every day here.  We are proud to offer a weekly Music Together class at MCS.  Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program which pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.  Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. 

 

MCS at Brookfield is a member of the American Montessori Society