Handbook 2011-2012

Tiny

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906 NE 24th Ave

Portland, Oregon tinyrevolutionmontessori@gmail.comwww.tinyrevolutionmontessori.com

“It is true we cannot make a genius, we can only give each individual the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities to become an independent, secure and balanced human.” -Dr. Maria Montessori

The Children’s House

This three-year program fosters growth in independence and problem solving; the development of order, concentration and coordination; the nurturing of oral communication skills; and the stimulation of the child's joy in discovery, and in learning.

In the Montessori class-room this objective is approached in two ways:

Children experience the excitement of learning through their own choices rather than by being forced. Children develop all the natural tools for learning, so that their abilities will be at maximum in future learning situations. The Montessori preschool/kindergarten program is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child's sensitive years between three and six, when the child can absorb information from an enriched environment. A child who acquires the basic skills of reading and arithmetic in this natural way has the advantage of beginning education without drudgery, boredom, or discouragement. By pursuing individual interests in a Montessori classroom, the child gains an early enthusiasm for learning, which is the key to becoming a truly educated person. Because the children individually select their materials and relate only to their own previous work, there is no competition in the

Dr. Maria Montessori

Montessori classroom. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that competition in education should be introduced only after the child has gained confidence in the use of the basic skills. Since children mature at different rates, their periods of readiness for academic subjects may vary. Because interest is stimulated and the materials are at hand whenever the child is ready, some children in a Montessori class begin to read and calculate at an unusually early age. However, very early "advanced" learning is not the norm. It will happen naturally and joyfully at the proper moment for each individual child.

The Classroom Approach

The MontessoriPhilosophy

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that no human being is educated by another. The child must do it himself or it will never be done. A truly edu-cated individual continues learning long after the hours and years spent in the classroom because the child is motivated from within by a natural curiosity and love for knowledge. Dr. Maria Montessori felt, therefore, that the goal of early childhood education should not be to fill the child with facts from prescribed course studies, but rather to cultivate a natural desire to learn.

Suggested ReadingsWe recommend the following books as initial reading for an understanding of the Montessori approach to learning

The Child in the Family -Maria MontessoriThe Secret of Childhood- Maria MontessoriThe Discovery of the Child- Maria MontessoriMontessori Play and Learn- Lesley BrittonMontessori: A Modern Approach- Paula Polk Lillard

The Suzuki ApproachEvery Child Can LearnMore than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.

Parent InvolvementAs when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child.

They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.

Early BeginningThe early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listen-

ing to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.

ListeningChildren learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to

music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.

RepetitionConstant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a

word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradu-ally using it in new and more sophisticated ways.

EncouragementAs with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise

and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.

Learning with Other ChildrenIn addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance

at which they learn from an are motivated by each other.

The Suzuki Philosophy• Suzuki teachers believe that musical ability can be developed in all children.•Students begin at young ages.•Parents play an active role in the learning process.•Children become comfortable with the instrument before learning to read music.•Technique is taught in the context of pieces rather than through dry technical exercises.•Pieces are refined through constant review.•Students perform frequently, individually and in groups. -written by The Suzuki Association of the Americas

Perhaps it is music that will save the world.—Pablo Casals

All children enrolled at Tiny Revolution Montessori will participate in

Suzuki style violin group lessons. The violins will be provided in class and

the fees are already included in the monthly school tuition. As the chil-

dren progress, they will also be given private lessons where the parent is

invited to observe. There may come a time where the child has advanced

to the point where an instrument for home practice will be encouraged.

The Suzuki LegacyShinichi Suzuki was a violinist, educa-tor, philosopher and humanitarian. Born in 1898, he studied violin in Ja-pan for some years before going to Germany in the 1920s for further study. After the end of World War II, Dr. Suzuki devoted his life to the de-velopment of the method he calls Tal-ent Education.Suzuki based his approach on the belief that “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is prop-erly trained can develop musical abil-ity, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlim-ited.”Dr. Suzuki’s goal was not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child’s character through the study of music.

Suggested Readingwww.suzukiassociation.org

www.suzukiece.com

Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki

All children will explore the Montessori materials and receive lessons in all areas of the classroom- math, language, sensorial, prac-tical life, culture, geography, peace, music, art, natureand science. The children will progress through the curriculum at their own pace.

A look at our yearly curriculum studies

we will follow the interests of the children, but this is a good idea of what our year will look like...

September: Our Peaceful Classroom, Introductory Lessons, Peace Table, Nature Table, Care of the classroom environment and animals, Grace & courtesy lessons, Parts of the Body, Care of the body, Con-trol of the Body, Feelings, Senses

October:Human Needs- Love, family, shelter, food, clothing, communication, community, THE UNIVERSE AND OUR SOLAR SYSTEM

 November: OUR PLANET EARTH Lithosphere- Minerals, Mountains, Volcano, Hydrosphere- Oceans, Water Cycle, Land & Water Magnetosphere- Gravity, Energy, Atmosphere- Air, Light, Clouds, Weather, Native America, Medicine Wheel, Early America

December: Earth's Biosphere & Overview of Living Things, Vertebrates & Invertebrates, Introduction to the Continents, Our Neighbor Countries,Geography, flags, biomes, animals, people of NORTH AMERICA Our Country, State, & City, Celebrations Around the World

January: Year, months, seasons, days, hours, minutes, seconds, A Time Line of My Life, The Time Line of Earth Intro, Measuring: Volume, Weight, and Length,Geography, flags, biomes, animals, people of SOUTH AMERICA

February: Our Country's Time Line, Transportation Time Line, Landmarks, Inventors & inventions, Presi-dents And FlagGeography, flags, biomes, animals and people of EUROPE

March: MY STATE: History & Time Line, Geography, Cities, Rivers, Landmarks, Biomes, Wildlife, and People, FISH, AMPHIBIANS, and REPTILES

April: BIRDS, Geography, flags, biomes, animals, and people of ASIA

May: PLANTS- seeds, soil, flowers, gardening, trees, Geography, biomes, animals, and people of AF-RICA

June: INSECTS AND SPIDERS,Ecology, Food Chains, Conservation, Care of the Earth

July: Geography, biomes, animals, and people of AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA, The Oceans, Ocean and Sea-shore Life, Invertebrates, Ocean Ecology

August: Geography, biomes, animals, and explorers of ANTARCTICA/ARCTIC CIRCLE, MAMMALS, Animal Senses, Animal defenses, Artists

 

Our SchoolDays

peace curriculum language art

geography practical life cooking

culture studies sensorial music

math nature studies zoology/botany

 ALL THE EXTRAS

THE CHILDREN WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN......

WEEKLY ART LESSONS

MUSIC LESSONS/VIOLIN LESSONS

COOKING PROJECTS

WOODWORKING PROJECTS

GARDENING ACTIVITIES

OUTDOOR PLAY/SPORTS GAMES

YOGA

 

 

 

The Child- Will construct the adults they will become

The ParentIs expected to read the entire

handbook and sign that they have received and read the Tiny Revolu-tion Montessori Handbook.

Is expected to bring the child on time as well as pick up the child on time.

Is expected to become familiar with the Montessori philosophy by attending parent education nights and/or reading materials available to parents

Is expected to fulfill the financial and legal obligations to the school promptly.

Is expected to support the school and child by attending parent meetings, keeping informed on goals and policies of the school, volunteer-ing time, effort, and talent as possi-ble.

The SchoolWill partner with families in the

education of the child. Will encourage the development

of self-esteem, self-discipline and self- motivation in every child.

Will provide an environment that is clean, safe and attractive.

Will maintain the standards and licensing required by the state, county and city agencies a well as the Association of Montessori Inter-national and American Montessori Society.

Will provide a program that is stimulating, developmentally appro-priate and of high quality.

Will provide teachers who are exceptional in their capabilities for guiding and caring and in the cali-ber of their professional skills. Will remain committed to professional growth and openness to new ideas.

“Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world”

-Maria Montessori

The Child The Parent(s) The School

Resp

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Drop Off An essential component of our classroom is the opportunity for children to develop and extend their concentration. We encourage this through an uninterrupted work period. Because of this, we encourage parents drop children off on time. This is an essential part of their day. It is a chance to greet friends and teachers, prepare to settle into a peaceful classroom, and choose their first morning activity.

Quick good-byes are helpful, even if your child struggles at drop off. We will comfort your child and remind them you will back soon. You are always welcome to call and check on your child.

If you are early, please wait. A staff member will meet parents and children at the door, allow the parent to sign in on our daily roster, and then carefully walk chil-dren into the classroom.

If you are late, please park your car, escort your child to classroom entrance, and sign in. A teacher will welcome and bring your child into the classroom.

Sign In and Out

The child must be signed in upon arrival and signed out on departure. The primary function of this procedure is to ensure the safety for child. You must notify us, preferably in writing, if the person picking up your child will be different than normal and that person will be asked to show identification.

Pick Up

When picking up your child, please wait in front of the school entrance. A teacher will carefully walk your child to the door and allow you to sign out on our daily roster. This allows an exit that does not disturb the environment.

Late Pick Up

If your child remains at the school beyond his/her enrolled hours the staff must be notified. The school day ends at 5:30 p.m. Please pick up your child promptly- to avoid a charge of $1.00 per minute ($5.00 minimum).

Arrivals

and

Departures

School Hours

Arrival 8:15-8:30

Half day pick up 12:45-1:00

Full day pick up 3:30-3:45

What to wear & bring

lunch clothing nap supplies

Parents and children should pack lunch to-gether. It is your chance to explain nutrition and to show that you care about what your child puts into his or her body. It is also an opportunity to discuss and experience food preparation directly with your child.

Please pack a lunch that may be eaten in any order. Your child will not be en-couraged to eat certain foods first, so please send only nutritious foods. Candy and soda may not be a part of the child's lunch and will be sent home. All lunch containers should be labeled with your child’s name.

The children will be given the opportunity of setting the lunch table with table-cloths, cloth napkins, placemats, and real dishes. Lunch will be a time for enjoying healthy foods while engaging in polite conversation with friends.

The children will also assist in the clean up of lunch through washing dishes, sponging tables, sweeping, mopping.etc.

We may get messy or dirty because our day is filled with exploring!

We request that your child comes to school in clothing that allows for freedom of movement and independ-ence. We also encourage that all articles of clothing are free of distracting commercial images.

Feel free to keep a spare rain jacket or rain boots at school in your child’s locker. We will enjoy ex-ploring the outdoors rain or shine so please dress your child in preparation for this. Also label all re-movable clothing.

A pair of soft indoor shoes will need to stay at school and will be worn in the classroom everyday. Slip-pers, mukluks, ballet slip-pers or any other soft slip on will be perfect!

If your child stays at school full day and will be taking a nap or rest in the after-noons, please bring a bag with any needed supplies. Blanket, small pillow, etc are welcome items. The school will supply a resting mat.

Illness Any child who appears to be ill upon

arrival at school will not be allowed to attend class. We understand this may present a great inconvenience for parents with other plans that day, but the school cannot provide care for sick children. If you notice signs of illness before bringing your child to school, please keep your child at home. This is a Department of Health regulation that is enforced not only to protect the ill child but all children at school in case of communicable disease. The obser-vation of this policy will lessen your child's risk of illness and allow for a faster recovery in the home environment. In the event of com-municable disease in the school, we will notify all parents immediately of its presence and of the symptoms to watch for. If a child becomes ill during the day, we will isolate him/her from the group and his/her parents will be notified. If a child is sent home sick he/she cannot return to school the following day and until 24 hours after symptoms (fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) have subsided or he/she is on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. The emer-gency information card, which you must com-plete, will provide us with information regard-ing persons who may be reached in this type of emergency if your child becomes ill. Par-ents are always welcome to arrange a time to come to the school to give the medication to their child. Parents of children with a chronic condition may request a staff member give medication. This requires the medication be in the original container and a medication form filled out and signed. Please notify teachers if your child is taking any medications. Please do not send any medication, vitamins, cough drops, sunscreen, lotion, etc. with your child. Please give directly to director and after filling out a permission form. We maintain the playground and the classroom in a safe condi-tion. However, minor injuries are to be ex-pected when normal children are allowed to explore their physical environment and their own capabilities. Standard first-aid proce-dures include applying Band-Aids as neces-sary to keep dirt out. In cases of more serious injury, parents will be notified and/or the firefighters/paramedics will be called.

VolunteeringAll parents are encouraged to partici-

pate in their child’s education through volun-teering. Volunteer opportunities include pro-jects that may be done at home or at school. We also ask that you share your travels, hob-bies or professions. Parents will be asked to sign up to volunteer during the back-to-school night as well as throughout the year. We ap-preciate the contribution of your time and skills.

Sign upsThe following are volunteer opportunities

that we will ask every family to take turns in 1. making homemade playdough2. checking out books on a particular topic we are studying at library3. providing fresh flowers for arranging (cut from your yard or the wild is fine)4. provide ingredients for special cooking and food preparation activities

Parent NightsWe will planning parent education pro-

grams throughout the year on topics like child development, the Montessori home as well as others. At least one parent from each family is encouraged to attend.

TransportationTiny Revolution does not provide transportation

Family Field TripsWe hope to plan several field trips for

families on weekends throughout the year. If you have an idea for a trip, please let us know!

Parent Teacher ConferencesTiny Revolution Montessori will best serve

the child if open communication is maintained between the staff and the parents.

Conferences will be scheduled twice yearly to discuss your child's development. See the school calendar for dates. Parents are always welcome to request a conference throughout the year.

CommunicationTeachers will post information about

programs and curriculum online, through email, on class bulletin boards and on the sign in book. If you do not have access to the Internet, please let a teacher know. Teachers are sometimes available for short conversa-tions at drop off or pick up. Teachers are available through email tinyrevolutionmontessori@gmail.com

and by appointment.

When to stay home

Getting Involved

School Year EnrollmentTuition is based on the ten- month academic year. Enrollment in the program is automatic enrollment for the entire year's tuition. Tiny Revolution

Montessori will follow the Portland Public School calendar. A copy of the calendar will be given to parents when the Portland school district

makes it available.

TuitionTuition is due on the fourth day of each month.

Other Fees The $200 registration fee is non- refundable. Payments made after the due date will include a $50 late fee. Checks returned for non-sufficient

funds will be charged a $20.00 fee. Due to the nature of the operating budget of our school, we are unable to provide a refund for vacations,

illnesses, or withdrawal.

Admissions Each child is accepted on a provisional basis. A child is not considered enrolled until the registration fee is paid. If the Director feels that we

can not meet the needs of your child, his/her tuition will be computed on a daily basis and the remainder will be refunded.

Emergency Card The State of Oregon requires that on the first day of school we have a completed Emergency Card on file for each child. The cards must in-

clude immunization information. Information from these cards is used in processing required documents for the Department of Health. Please

update any contact information changes as soon as possible.

Withdrawal Policy Receipt of written notification of intent to withdraw is required 30 days in advance.

Discipline Policy The development of inner-discipline of the child is a primary goal of Tiny Revolution Montessori. As with the rest of the classroom

procedures, the aim of discipline is to develop the full potential of each child. This begins by fostering inner-discipline through classroom

design, the Montessori philosophy, and the development of the relationship between children. The classroom is designed to develop a sense of

order in children. Montessori philosophy gives a child the freedom to choose work that they are capable of doing. He/She may continue to

use it as long as she wishes without interference from others.In addition, the mixed age group gives the younger children an opportunity to

emulate the more mature behavior of the older children. Children are introduced to communication and conflict- resolution skills through

lessons and group activities in our Peace curriculum. Children are encouraged to develop the ability to handle disagreements by talking to

each other and attempting to resolve conflicts independently before seeking help from an adult. A child who has misbehaved will be asked to

work for a time near the teacher. Teachers may also gently redirect the child toward work that will engage his interest. The child might be as-

signed temporarily to a seat or specific area.

Parents are contacted in the case of a repeated misbehavior or a single serious incident. If there is a continuous discipline problem, we will

arrange a conference with the parents.Consistent methods of discipline will be discussed. If all efforts fail to help the child and the child is a

negative influence on the classroom, parents will reluctantly be asked to withdraw the child from school.

Tuition, Fees, Registration

Celebrations

Birthday Celebrations In our classroom children celebrate their birthday in an international Montessori tradition. Please send a photograph representing each year of

his/ her life. Also, please send a short history of your child. We will send home a form for you to fill out. He/she carries the globe around a

candle (the sun) - one time for each year of his/her life. A teacher will read your child's history while she walks around the 'sun.' Birthday chil-

dren can bring in healthy treats on this day if they would like. Parents may come into help on the day. Children may also consider giving a

book to the school on their birthday. Your child feels a sense of pride to see her name inscribed in a book. Children are also interested in the

books given by their friends. Ask a teacher for suggestions or your child to choose a favorite book. The presentation of a birthday book can be

an integral part of your child's birthday celebration.

End of Year CelebrationsThis ceremony is for children attending Tiny Revolution to perform a recital for their families. They will sing songs they have learned, perform on

their violins, and display works of art they have created. Information will be published near the end of the school year.

HolidaysAs part of our geography and culture studies we may talk about and enjoy many different holidays that are celebrated around the world. If

your family’s culture celebrates a certain holiday, please let us know so that we may celebrate it too!

SnackA snack will be provided once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The snack will be as organic, vegetarian,

and healthy as possible. It will also include elements that need preparation by the child. This is a very exciting and

satisfying activity for the child! Examples are peeling a banana, grating a carrot, hulling a strawberry, spreading

hummus, pouring water, etc. Such fun independent cooking experiences!

Tiny Revolution Montessori Summer Camp Enrollment Form906 NE 24th Ave Portland, Oregon 97232

Please enroll my child, in Tiny Revolution Montessori for the Summer 2011. The summer program provides a great opportunity to get out of the house, but stay cool. It is a little quieter, a little slower and lots of fun. It is also a great opportunity to begin exploring the Montessori materials while having some fun with art projects, water days and cooking. Summer is also a chance for new children to meet the staff, make some friends and get used to going to school!

Summer Sessions: Please circle which sessions your child will attend

June 20-July1 July 5-July 15 July 18-July 29

Aug 1-Aug12

5 Full days (8:15-3:30) $400

5 Full days $400 5 Full days $400 5 Full days $400

4 Full days (8:15-3:30) $320

4 Full days $320 4 Full days $320 4 Full days $320

5 Half days (8:15-1:00) $325

5 Half Days $325 5 Half days $325 5 Half days $325

4 Half days (8:15-3:30) $260

4 Half Days $260 4 Half days $260 4 Half days $260

A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due with this form. This registration fee is waived if the child is enrolling for the following school year.

Parent Signature Date

Tiny Revolution Montessori Children’s House Enrollment Form 906 NE 24th Ave Portland Oregon 97232

2011/2012

Please circle which school schedule your child will attend

Full Days Half Days

5 Full Days (8:15-3:30) $800 per month 5 Half days (8:15-1:00) $650 per month

4 Full Days (8:15-3:30) $640 per month 4 Half days (8:15-1:00) $520 per month

Child’s name:

Child’s age:

Parent names:

Emails:

Phone numbers:

Addresses:

Please submit a $200 non-refundable registration fee with this enrollment form. This fee is required to hold a spot for your child in school.

I have read and agree to the Tiny Revolution Montessori handbook and policies and am enrolling my child for the 2011/2012 school year

parent signature date