Learning In Motion Academy

Montessori education is a system for the education of children from birth through age 18. It is based upon principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori throughout her life. The focus of this system is the development of materials, educational techniques, and observations which support the natural development of children. The teacher in a Montessori classroom serves less as an "instructor" and more as a guide and facilitator. Children are encouraged to "learn how to learn," thus gaining independence and self-confidence. Because the method is based upon developmentally appropriate activities, the child often learns through the process of education - by doing. The Montessori school is designed to accommodate various stages of development in children which occur in roughly 3-year cycles. From birth to 3 years of age the child is absorbing directly from the environment, almost as a sponge. It is during this phase that many language and motor skills are acquired without formal instruction. When the child reaches the next phase of development, ages 6 to 9, the imagination of the child is the key to learning. At this age there is an increasing awareness of the world and an interest in its wonders. The classroom can now excite the child by using this increased imagination to explore the universe. During this phase the child is presented with "the big picture," an overview of the interrelatedness of things.