Curriculum
The primary curriculum was Maria Montessori’s main focus throughout her career. You may notice that the Primary classrooms consist of children ages 3 – 6 years; traditionally known as preschool and kindergarten. Why mixed age classrooms? How do you teach math, science, language (reading), practical life, and grace/courtesy to children 3 – 6 years old? We’ve compiled 5 (of the many) reasons that a Montessori education for your child is valuable compared to traditional education.
Materials are didactic
Didactic means quite literally, “designed to teach” or specially designed instructional materials. Each material has an extremely specific purpose and teachers have to undergo an extensive training and certification process to be allowed to teach these materials in schools.
The color, weight, material, size, and placement within a shelf has all been developed through years of Maria Montessori observing children’s needs and patterns of learning. Currently, the most modern brain research coinciding with education are matching almost completely Montessori’s theories on child development and use of didactic materials.
Mixed age classroom
Some would call it crazy, but we call it genius! Montessori understood through observation that children learn well when in a mix of peers rather than students exactly their age. Novice, intermediate, and mentor are the three stages of a student when they begin a Primary classroom (age 3 years).
Novice students undergo a phase of osmosis; observing and listening to the mentor (5-6 year) students. Mentors have the chance to be a leader, an example, and help those who are still trying to master a skill. In a community, all humans need to feel productive, the Needs and Tendencies of Man explain this; the more a person feels a cohesive part of an environment the more they will thrive and respect the culture created within it.
Sensitive period for math, reading, and writing
Have you heard of sensitive periods for learning? (See chart on left) Take note that language, writing, and math sensitive periods take place while children are in the Primary classroom (3 – 6 years).
Combine didactic materials, a prepared environment, and an experienced guide; your child will be exposed to math and reading lessons in the proper order and at their own pace.
Half day vs full day
What’s the difference? Because Montessori curriculum includes “work cycle”, an unbroken period of time every morning for lessons and work, students who attend the half day program are still receiving full educational benefits and the social aspect of outdoor time (45 minutes or more a day). Students who stay for the extended day program will have lunch, and a rest time/nap (3-4 year olds) after their work and outdoor time. Kindergarten aged students (5-6 years) have an addition work time in the afternoon if they choose not to rest. So, the education and child care needs of your family can be met with our flexible scheduling.
Easy transition into elementary school
Because Harbour Oaks provides education through 12th grade students are able to experience, visit, and transition the next classroom at their pace. Moving up to the next classroom is completed with a ceremony called, Bridging. Students are able to showcase their work and express goals for themselves during their next steps of education – first grade. Preparing a child mentally and academically for first grade is a priority for Primary teachers as well as the Lower Elementary teachers. Making a new friend, asking questions, and gaining responsibility are all aspects of this transition and the excitement is expressed with smiles and pride on each student.
Meet Ms Anna
Anna, one of the owners, also serves as the lead teacher for the Primary 1 classroom. She has been teaching for over 20 years in Montessori and was also raised by a Montessori family. Her mother opened the first Montessori school in Maine, her father was a Montessori teacher, and both of her sisters are also Montessori teachers! If that was not enough, her two daughters have been at HOMS for their entire education. Experience – she’s got it!
“Teaching this long, you’d think nothing surprises me. That’s wrong! I am constantly amazed by my students each year. I hope I can leave a stamp on their hearts of how to be a good person and also a stamp on their brain that desires learning something new, everyday.”
You can also find Ms Anna in the main office as she wears the Director of School hat in the afternoons. When not giving her time at HOMS Ms Anna plays soccer and heads to the beach any chance she can get.
Meet Ms Laughlin
She opened the first Montessori school in Maine, had 4 children, adopted 3 children, has taught over 1,000 students, appreciates art, books, teaches her students about monumental people of history, grows a gorgeous garden and is the lead teacher of the Primary 2 classroom – that would be, the lovely Ms Laughlin.
Walking into her classroom is like walking into a little piece of Montessori heaven. Her beautiful works, eclectic taste, and love for teaching is rather apparent. Ms Laughlin spends her weekends and summers tending her garden, going out to eat with her grandchildren, and traveling the country to see art exhibits and famous gardens,
Meet Ms Leslie
Leslie Franklin is our lead teacher in the Primary 1 classroom. She began her Montessori journey at an early age when she began working after school at a Montessori School and then moved up to being the class assistant. She went on to complete her early childhood Montessori credential in 2003. She’s been teaching ever since, and feels that every day she gets to spend in a classroom full of children is a good day. When Leslie is not at school, she enjoys spending time outside with her family. They enjoy hiking and gardening. They also love to spend time at the beach.
Meet Ms Megan
Megan Robichaux is the new director of student support and primary teacher here at Harbour Oaks! She graduated from University of North Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Special Education with a reading endorsement. Outside of school she loves spending time with her three dogs and painting. She can’t wait to see what this upcoming school year holds and looks forward to supporting each student as needed.