KidsOutAndAbout.com, Buffalo & WNY's online guide to everything for kids, teens, & families, recently published an article about how to choose a preschool that's right for your child. As the article points out, different families have different needs, and are naturally looking for a preschool in which the scheduling and philosophy match their own.
We thought we'd go through KidsOutAndAbout.com's list, to give young parents a bit more information about our Montessori Children's House here at St. Mary School Swormville, and help them determine if Montessori is a "match" for their family!
Q: Playing and learning: Do these seem like separate times at the preschool, or are play and learning time integrated? Does the school rely on more academically-directed activities like circle time, or do children learn playfully in a planned environment?
A: At St. Mary School's Montessori Children's House, playing & learning go hand in hand. Children are provided with engaging, hands-on learning experiences, and learn to care for themselves, clean their environment, and absorb knowledge from their surroundings, essentially teaching themselves.
Q: The setting: Is your goal to get your child used to a school setting, or is it important that the setting feel more like home?
A: Our Montessori classroom is both home-like and school-like! Unique learning materials beckon from accessible shelves, inviting small hands to take on new challenges, one concept or skill at a time. Montessori students are also able to take advantage of weekly instruction in Art, Music, and Physical Education from specialized teachers, providing a more school-like component to their week.
Q: Specific learning goals: Do you have particular academic milestones or religious needs that you would like met?
A: Montessori students learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as ready, guided by the teacher and with an individualized learning plan. When it comes to religion, our Montessori students learn Catholic values that help shape them into tomorrow's leaders! Students learn the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is a Montessori-based approach to religious education for children, primarily within the Catholic Church, that focuses on fostering a personal relationship with God through hands-on activities and presentations based on the Bible and liturgy.
Q: Teacher: What is the teacher:student ratio? Are there assistants and helpers? How does the teacher interact with students?
A: Our current teacher:student ratio in the Montessori classroom is 1:10, with Montessori teachers Miss Krista and Miss Katelyn, and Montessori Aide Miss Paige. Learn more about Miss Krista here.
Q: Introverts and extroverts: If your child falls on one end of the introvert-extrovert scale, it's important to realize this and see what would be expected of them at each preschool.
A: Each child is valued as a unique individual in our Montessori classroom! Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways and accommodates all learning styles.
Our teachers realize that
students learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as ready, guided by the teacher and with an individualized learning plan.
Coordination, concentration, and independence are developed over the course of the school year as each skill, or piece of work is introduced, learned, and mastered.
Students are part of a close, caring community. The multi-age classroom comprised of 3 – 6 year olds re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy being role models while younger children feel supported and gain confidence. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution.
Q: Transition: How do new preschoolers transition into the school environment? Are there playdates or teacher conferences? Are parents permitted in the classroom or told to say goodbye at the door?
A: We host a number of events focused on getting your child comfortable with their new classroom and ready to make new friends! From Montessori Summer Adventure Experiences before your child starts school in the Fall, to "Popsicles with the Principal" on our school playground, our phase-in approach to the first week of school, and Montessori playdates for children and parents over school breaks, your child's well-being and contentment are important to us. When you and your child enroll at St. Mary School you become part of our family, and we want you to feel like it!
Q: Family involvement: How will the teacher or school communicate with parents? Are parents asked to volunteer inside or outside the classroom? Are parents welcome in the classroom or invited only on specific occasions?
A: At St. Mary School there are numerous opportunities for parent involvement within the classroom and at extracurricular activities. Montessori students and parents are able to participate in school and HSA events such as:
Sr. Sheila School Marathon
Trunk or Treat
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Ice Skating & Roller Skating Parties
Pray n' Play Event
Merry Moose Christmas Shop
Book Fairs
Mother/Son & Father/Daughter events
School Picnic
Spirit Week
Catholic Schools Week Events
...and so much more!
Q: Active play: Does the school provide resources for physically active play that match your child's needs?
A: One of the tenets of a Montessori education is being able to move freely about the classroom to focus on different work! In addition to this, Montessori students enjoy time outside daily (weather permitting) on our playground and lovely campus, and also take advantage of our beautiful school gymnasium.
Q: Outdoor time: Does the school offer time outside? Will kids play outside in all weather, most days, or just occasionally?
A: Yes! Playing in the snow, raking up leaves in Fall, and going on Spring nature walks are some of the activities our Montessori students most look forward to, and experience frequently.
Q: Rest: Kids have different rhythms and requirements for rest. Think about what your child's specific needs are to ensure that they will be accommodated.
A: Daily rest time is offered after lunch. Students may nap, or listen to a book read by the teacher.
Q: Potty training: If your child still has accidents, how are these handled?
A: Children must be fully potty trained to enroll at St. Mary School, however we realize accidents happen, and all students are encouraged to have a change of clothes in their cubby for those instances.
Q: Structure: Some kids do better with lots of structure, while other families feel that they already have enough structure and prefer that a preschool ensure lots of time for unstructured play and interaction.
A: Choice and freedom within limits within the Montessori classroom results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime. Teachers provide an environment where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions.
Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach.
Q: Community: Do children have field trips, classroom visitors, or other activities beyond the day-to-day learning?
A: Our Montessori Children’s House is different from other Montessori programs in our area, in that SMS Montessori students and parents are part of our preschool - grade 8 family! In addition to their rich Montessori curriculum students can expect to experience the following:
Access to after school care through Just for Kids
School-wide service projects
Christmas and spring concerts
School assemblies
Peer mentoring time with middle school students twice a month
In-class birthday & holiday celebrations
Q: Safety: Safety can be a big concern. Think carefully about your standards for keeping kids safe, and observe how the school meets your expectations.
A: All visitors to the school during school hours must present their driver's license to be scanned by our Raptor system, which does a background check on the individual. Doors are locked during school hours and only a staff member with a key fob can open the doors to come in or go out. Additionally, many of our exterior facing windows are treated with a shatter proof film, and we regularly run fire & lock down drills. Safety is of the utmost priority for us, and we are always looking for ways to improve and enhance our security measures.
To learn more about our Montessori Children's House, attend our Open House this Sunday, January 26th from 10:30 am - 12 pm. You'll have an opportunity to meet our Pre-K Montessori teachers, speak with current Montessori families, and have all your questions about your child starting school answered. RSVP here today: smstheplacetobee.com