Step-By-Step-Montessori

The discovery that the child has a mind ableto absorb on its own account produces a revolution in education.

This is the new path on which education hasbeen put; to help the mind in its process ofdevelopment, to aid its energies and strengthenits many powers.

– Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

Administration office 4355 Highway 169 N.Plymouth, MN 55442 ph: (763) 557-6777 fax: (763) 557-6888

www.stepbystepmontessori.com

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”Eight School Locations • Brooklyn Park• Chaska • Corcoran• Edina-Southdale • Maple Grove • Plymouth • St. Anthony/New Brighton • Wayzata-Ridgedale

Montessori Education

The Montessori Method of education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Through her researchand work, Dr. Montessori concluded that no human being is truly educated by another person. This is particularly true for children. A child’s understanding is gained through their experiences and that in turn creates a natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge which will continue throughout the child’s lifetime. One goal of the MontessoriMethod is that children should not be filled with facts from a preselectedcourse of studies, but rather have children cultivate their own natural desire to learn.

This desire to learn is experienced in the specially prepared environmentwithin the Children’s House classrooms. Dr. Montessori always emphasizedthat “the hand is the chief teacher of the child.” In order to learn, theremust be concentration, and the best way for a child to concentrate is byfixing their attention on some task the child is performing with theirhands. Upon visiting a Children’s House classroom, it is apparent that theMontessori materials are developed in order to create a hands-on experiencefor each child.

The use of materials is based upon the young child’s unique aptitude for learning which Dr. Montessori defined as the “absorbent mind.” Dr. Montessori often compared the young mind of a child to that of a sponge. A child’s mind literally absorbs information from the environment.This process is particularly noticed in the way a two year old learns his native language without the conscious, tedious effort which an adult must make to master a foreign tongue.

These developmental teaching materials are designed to test understanding,correct errors, and train the child’s mind to think in logical patterns. Thewell-prepared classroom environment helps the child to be self-disciplined,independent and to respect the rights of others.

Call Us today to enroll your child (763) 557-6777


Philosophy of Step By Step Montessori Schools

The philosophy of Step By Step Montessori is to help each child develop a positive self-image within this carefully planned environment.The child also develops the necessary skills required for a lifetime ofcreative learning. Children carry within themselves the potential forwhat they can be. In order for the child to develop physical, emotional,intellectual and spiritual capacities he or she must have freedom: “A freedom to be achieved through order and self discipline.”

Our ProgramsInfants (6 weeks – 15 months)

Toddlers (16 months – 32 months)

Montessori Level 1 (33 months – 5-years-old)

Kindergarten (5-years-old)

Extended Day Program (6:30-8:30 a.m. & 3:30-6:00 p.m.)

Latch Key (Before and after school program for ages 6-8)

Special Summer Programs (6 weeks – 8-years-old)

Hours6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for Brooklyn Park, Chaska, and Corcoran. (Monday-Friday)6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. All other locations. (Monday-Friday)

The most important period of life isnot the age of university studies, but thefirst one – the period of birth to the ageof 6. – Dr. Maria Montessori

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Infant ProgramOur professional staff has designed a special program forchildren from 6 weeks to 16 months. In the infant program,the emphasis is on stimulation and comfort for the very youngchild. At Step By Step, we share your concern for your childand we provide a loving and warm atmosphere where the childcan grow and develop. Step By Step is proud to offer thisspecial service at all of our locations.

Toddler ProgramAt Step By Step, we know how important your child’s earlylearning experiences really are! This is why our trained staffhas developed a program that will assist your child in devel-oping vocabulary, social and self-help skills. Toddlers workwith materials to lengthen their attention span and to developtheir concentration and coordination. Music, story time, artsand crafts, naps and individual and group games are all importantparts of the daily life for your child at Step By Step Montessori.

Childrens House – Level OneThe child is exposed to a wide range of educational opportunitiesand activities in the Montessori environment.

A R E A S O F D I S C O V E RY I N C L U D E

EnvironmentIn creating the environment, the “whole” child – the physical,emotional, intellectual and spiritual – must be taken intoconsideration so the child has a well rounded personality. Theenvironment is made up of different areas, ranging from simple to complex, concrete to abstract, helping the child toprogress one step at a time. Control of error is built into thematerial so the child is able to correct his or her own mistakes.This encourages independence from the adult.

Practical LifeThe purposes of these activities are to foster order, activity andindependence. Through them, the children learn to care for theperson and care for the environment. They develop grace andcourtesy in socially related experiences. From caring for plantsto measuring and pouring liquids, practical life materials introduced in the Children’s House can be extended to thehome as well.

SensorialDuring this stage of development, children learn through theirsenses. The sensorial materials are scientifically designed tohelp them develop and refine their senses. By working with thematerials, the child is able to absorb the abstract qualities thatare found in their environment, and to bring order, clarity, andrediscovery with “New Eyes.” You’ll find the pink tower,brown stairs and red rods as an essential part of the sensorialcomponent.

LanguageDevelopment of language begins with speech and progressesinto writing and reading. The sandpaper alphabet is used toteach the phonetic sounds, while the geometric insets are usedto develop small muscles as a preparation for writing. Themovable alphabet, phonogram board and grammar boxes areused to teach analysis of sentences. By working with speciallyprepared materials that answer inner needs, the child learns toread and write in a way similar to how he/she learns to speakthe language of his/her environment.

Mathematics Montessori materials represent all types of quantities. In theMontessori environment, children not only see the symbols1;10;100;1000; but they can also hold each of the correspondingquantities in their hands. Later, by combining various pieces ofMontessori materials, they can demonstrate to themselves thebasic operation of arithmetic and go from the concrete to theabstract. These activities give them the satisfaction of learningby discovery, rather than being told. Eventually, they developan enthusiasm for the world of numbers.

Cultural Activities History, Geography, Botany and Zoology are all parts of thechild’s everyday environment. Globes, puzzle maps, flags andgeographical land formations enable children to learn aboutand become interested in the world in which they live.



Programs


Foreign LanguageChildren 3-years and older are introduced to the oral skills oflistening and speaking a second language. Music, dance, mime,movement games and visual stimuli reinforce the spoken lan-guage. With this amenity, children sharpen their observationand listening skills which carry over into the regular classroom.

ArtThe children master basic skills such as cutting, pasting andfolding paper. They are also given the opportunity to workwith different media such as paper, paint, clay, macaroni, yarn,crayons, sand, seed, etc. Each directress broadens this areawith his/her own creative ability. Each child is not only ableto create their own masterpieces but also enjoys the thrill ofhaving them displayed throughout the year within their class-rooms and the center.

MusicStep By Step Montessori’s music program explores musical tal-ents by encouraging the child to use instruments, body move-ments, singing, and listening to different types of music. Specialmusic programs showcase the songs and musical talents ofeach child. It also introduces children to speaking/performingin front of others.

Physical EducationAn opportunity to develop team spirit, body movement, largemuscle coordination, social, emotional and physical skills areprovided. Here the children are able to express themselves inan active way while enjoying less structured time with theirclassmates.

Field Trips Field trips provide the child with an opportunity to explorethe outside world and thereby widen his or her horizon. Sincethe younger child needs the security of the closed environment,the outside world is brought to them by way of in-houseevents. Children 4 and older are invited to attend outside fieldtrips to museums, playgrounds, zoos, etc.

Kindergarten Program The Kindergarten program at Step By Step is an extension ofthe traditional Montessori classroom. It is an opportunity for

and therefore advance accordingly. Emphasis is placed on lan-guage arts, reading, social skills, math, science, and individualactivities to promote group and individual skills. Children mayattend the Kindergarten program either full or half days withthe option of remaining for the extended day care program.This program has been a great help to working parents! TheKindergarten year completes the 3 year cycle and is an essentialcomponent to the Montessori Method.

Extended Day Program Available from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.MM (6:00 A.M to 6:00P.M. for Brooklyn Park, Chaska & Corcoran), our extendedday program provides maximum flexibility for parents who needa safe, happy, “home away from home” environment for theirchildren. The Montessori extended day program is offered to allage groups served by each Step By Step school. This unique daycare program provides an important and positive before andafter classroom experience for children. Group activities, art-work, group games and outside play are all incorporated in theextended day.

Summer Programs The summer session begins the week following the regular session, so that there is no interruption in the program. It isavailable for all ages served by Step By Step Montessori. Thesummer themes stress creative art programs and provides ahappy, fun filled learning experience for all who participate.Every day during the summer there is a fun event planned!From swimming lessons to bike parades, children look forwardto, and experience a new activity everyday. The summer activitiesoccur in addition to the normal Montessori work time.

Step By Step offers a 12-month Program which is divided intotwo parts, the regular school session and summer session.

Latch-Key The Latch Key program is for children enrolled through thirdgrade. It is a program offered for children before and afterschool. They are also welcome to attend on public school vacation days and during the summer months. Of course, yourchild will be extended close supervision and loving care whileyou are gone, and will be able to utilize the excellentfacilities of our centers!


Programs

Step-By-Step-Montessori

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