 |
||
|
Overview | Our Philosophy | Instructors | Specialists | Schedules |Tuition The Montessori School of Bedford was founded in 1984. The school is owned and operated by Gail R. Bannon, who has been teaching and administrating in the Montessori field for over 30 years. We are located in Bedford, New Hampshire, and our current enrollment includes students from Bedford, Merrimack, Manchester, Weare, New Boston and other surrounding communities. We offer morning and afternoon Preschool programs (ages 3-6 years), as well as a full day morning Kindergarten program (ages 5 on or before September 30th. We offer a non-competitive environment where the children are encouraged to work according to their own interests and abilities. Without pressuring the child academically, the child is allowed to develop at his/her own pace, learn the importance of making responsible choices and actively direct his/her own experiences. Through careful observation, we can monitor a child's learning process and connect them to the appropriate materials when they are ready. Our goal is to assist the child in developing life skills that will carry them through their adult life. Our role is to prepare the environment so that it meets the needs of the child's development related to social skills (peer problem solving) A well-prepared environment allows the child to be independent. Not having to rely on the adult as the main source of information promotes success and self-esteem. The environment allows the child to experience the joy of learning and to develop a positive self-image. The classroom consists of mixed ages, which fosters reciprocal learning between the older children and the younger children. Younger children view their older peers as role models from whom they can learn advanced skills, older children develop self-esteem by sharing their knowledge and assisting younger children. This concept prepares them well for interacting with various age groups throughout their early lives. Fair expectations and ground rules are established so that the children feel secure within themselves and with their surroundings. It is also important that the child learns respect for the materials, the environment and peers. Our primary goal is to aid the children in reaching their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. To quote Dr. Maria Montessori, "Each child is constantly working towards the person they will become." The Student Teacher Relationship Teachers at our school are specially trained to direct each child’s interests and needs. Trained to recognize periods of readiness, the teacher observes and documents each child’s progress. When a child has mastered a subject, it is the teacher who guides the child toward the materials, which will encourage the development of advanced or new skills. As a result, the children grow as their interests lead then to greater challenges. Schedules Art and Science Program- Mondays till 2:30. Art and Science Projects are planned for every Monday and children are welcome to bring their lunch and stay till 2:30.Children enrolled in the afternoon class may join us from 11:30-2:30. Lunch Bunch- For children who would like to stay and have lunch on Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday till 12:30. Afternoon Class has the option on those days to arrive early (11:30) and join us. Extended Day- offered to children in their second year at Bedford Montessori, or those who can handle an extended day. Children enrolled in the morning class, bring their lunch and stay till 2:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Kindergarten Summer Camp four week program offered Monday through Thursday 9-12, beginning in July. Skiing Program- Children ages 4 and up are eligible for the Fiday 6-8 week McIntyre Ski Program located in Manchester, N.,H, For an updated tuition schedule please call the school The Curriculum Science Children create works using clay, watercolors, collages, and originate other works using a variety of other mediums. We study about Artists and Musicians and design activities to supplement these areas of study.
Programs Preschool Kindergarten Program All of our head teachers hold their Montessori certification as well as degrees in early childhood and elementary education. They are carefully chosen for their educational background, experience, and ability to foster positive communication skills in young children. The most important aspect of the Montessori training is observation and record keeping, in order to determine each child's specific needs and learning styles. We also welcome teaching assistants to our classroom, who provide additional teacher and student support. In addition to our regular staff we have specialists come to the school throughout the year. All classes have Spanish once a week, kindergarten twice a week. Kindergarten has an extensive art program with an art show in March. Project Nature is an out reach Science Program that comes to the school once a month. We also regularly welcome professional Storytellers, Puppeteers, Magic Shows and other performers to entertain the children. Enrollment Procedure Tuition |
||
Language
Children discover the basic operations of math by manipulating a variety of concrete Montessori math materials which lead them to more abstract discoveries. Children are able to work with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using the manipulatives from the decimal system. Geometry, fractions, the stamp game, and multiplication board are other hands on materials that promote the transition from concrete to abstraction.
Ideally, the kindergarten program is designed for the child entering their third year of Montessori education and who is 5 years of age by September 30th. Occasionally we will accept children who have not had any previous Montessori education if there are openings and if they are ready. This is determined in an informal interview with teacher and student. 
The kindergarten class has their Spring Art Show in March. Clay, paper mache’, self-portraits, masks, prints, sculptures, still life, wire art, silk paper, fabric wall hangings are just some of the art projects created by the children.