ur classrooms are designed to meet children's growing needs. Beauty and order utilize natural materials; play an important role in the child sized environment which encourages curiosity and independence.
We are neither a "highly structured" nor "relaxed" Montessori environment. In our opinion, a good Montessori environment prepares children to become successful, self-directed learners with respect for others. It also provides a rich foundation of sensorial knowledge from which the child may develop many interests. We endeavor to realize a perfect balance between structure and spontaneity in our program through careful observation of the children's needs. We believe in the ideals of Maria Montessori with respect to nurturing the spirit of the child. A child who works with true concentration often emerges from activity in a relaxed and pleasantly fulfilled frame of mind. This is our goal, and because it is often realized, our school community has a calm, centered and peaceful feeling most of the time. We are most delighted in the learning of children when they are secure enough in the structure that they can handle themselves responsibly with others. We like to see children conversing with and enjoying one another as they apply themselves to meaningful activity. Children often consolidate and enrich their learning through sharing it with others and collaborating on meaningful projects. Therefore we strive for a quietly busy and playful environment where each child is engaged and challenging him- or herself while developing socially as well. While we do not over-emphasize academics, we know that our children are generally exceptionally well prepared to enter any number of public or private schools when they have spent two or more years with us.
Practical Life
Practical Life is the foundation of our classroom learning. Children pour, scoop, twist, carry, and move as well as learning to care for themselves by buttoning, zipping or tying. These attractive materials and activities draw the child in and aid in developing and refining the child’s sense of order, coordination, cooperation and independence.
Practical Life
The Sensorial area of the Montessori classroom gives the child opportunities to develop and refine their senses. By interacting with specially developed Montessori materials made of fine wood and other attractive elements, the child is able to experience length, breadth, diameter, depth, base ten and geometric solids and shapes.
Sensorial
Preschool and Kindergarten-aged children have an immense capacity for learning at this stage, therefore advanced language and math works are introduced. A hands-on phonics approach to learning (pre-reading and writing) sounds and symbols is used. Montessori math materials are manipulative in nature and involve many activities which will lead to introduction to place value.
Learning about the world is provided through hands-on materials and group lessons in geography, biology, zoology, botany, literature, art and music.
These academic activities take place in a social environment that allows for developing social skills and problem-solving ability.
Language
Language
Cultural
Bella Montessori Preschool
203 Church Street • O'Fallon, Missouri 63366
636.240.7794
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