Sierra Montessori Children's Center

What is Montessori?

The Montessori Method was developed in the 1900´s by Dr. Maria Montessori. She based her method on the premise that each child is born with a natural curiosity for life and its surroundings, and a drive to develop himself. A child learns best by using his senses and having the freedom to explore with materials that are a part of his prepared environment.

Dr. Maria Montessori devised the “prepared environment” to allow all children to work and develop at their own speed. In order to achieve this in a positive and successful method, Dr. Montessori designed various materials for the children to use individually. All materials / jobs are carefully made to self teach the child by having a “control of error”. This “control of error” is what enables teachers to evaluate the child´s understanding and to correct the child without negative reinforcements, but with praise and encouragement to try it again. The goal is to motivate and stimulate a child´s natural desire to learn.

We have implemented a “prepared environment” here at Sierra Montessori for all the children to have an opportunity to be successful and exceed to their fullest potential.

Staff

Our teachers are carefully selected for their Montessori–based belief that children grow and learn best in a loving and nurturing environment. Their job is to encourage the child´s natural curiosity, to provide ample opportunities for exploartion and discovery. They help to direct the child to develop the skills needed to succeed and experience the thrill of independent accomplishment.

Our Montessori teachers, in addition to having Early Childhood Education Certification, are all trained in the use of materials designed to stimulate discovery while developing the skills necessary for accomplishing tasks.

Montessori Teachers Have Five Basic Goals

  1. To awaken the children´s spirit and imagination, helping develop their love of learning.
  2. To encourage the child´s normal desire for independence and high sense of self–esteem
  3. To help develop the kindness, courtesy and self–discipline that will allow them to become full members of society
  4. To help children learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently; and
  5. Having created a spirit of joyful learning, to help children master the skills and knowledge of their society.