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The Montessori prepared environment offers a rich array of specially designed, self-correcting manipulative materials and resources to meet the wide range of interests and abilities of the mixed-age groups. The inner light of the child shines forth as he or she lives each day in the peaceful Montessori community. Children discover who they are and begin to find their unique places in the world. In this way, the joy of life is expressed in each child, and our world is all the better for it. The Deerfield, Riverwoods and Glenview Montessori Schools are currently among only a few schools in Illinois accredited by the American Montessori Society in recognition of the highest level of excellence. Montessori education - "an assist to life." A Montessori education is based on scientific observations made by Dr. Montessori of the young child. Dr. Montessori said, "It is simply an assist to life." She noted that young children learn with great ease by simply "absorbing" like a sponge everything to which they are exposed, rather than learning through logical analysis. This is called the absorbent mind. Dr. Montessori found that there are periods during which the energy of the child's total being seems to be focused upon a particular stage of development such as walking, talking, writing, and reading. These are called sensitive periods. In a Montessori classroom, the prepared learning environment is designed to support these sensitive periods of the children and allow them to easily learn at their own individual rhythm. Areas of a prepared environment include practical life, sensorial, math, language, science, geography, art, music & movement. Montessori offers a unique approach to education. When you enter our Montessori classrooms, you will notice a number of activities or "work" unique to Montessori education. These self-correcting, manipulative materials are specially designed and developed for the Montessori classroom. We've placed them low on small shelves which are easily accessible to every child. This gives the children freedom, within the limits of safety and respect, to choose activities for themselves that they will succeed in doing. Many little success build self-confidence and develop knowledge. Additionally, multi-age classes follow three year cycles and the natural development of the child. Montessori promotes natural social development. Our classrooms are designed to encourage socialization through time for spontaneous interactions (such as: chatting with a friend over a snack, choosing a friend to work with on an activity, or simply playing together in different groups of friends). The multi-age grouping of 3, 4 and 5 years olds in a Montessori classroom supports the natural social development of young children. At three years of age, children are aware of others and are observing older children as well as exploring ways to interact with them. Lessons of grace and courtesy reinforce the key concept of respect for oneself, others and the environment. At four years of age, the children begin to refine ways to positively interact with others and develop friendships. At five years of age, the children are strengthening friend- ships and helping younger children learn the social graces. In order for children to develop strong social skills, they need to live and learn through all of these stages in the multi-age society. Additionally, our school benefits from a diversity of culture among the student body and teachers. Children from all over the world attend classes here and offer each other a real awareness of the many cultures of the world. Our children practice daily living in peace. Montessori "follows the child." Our Montessori instructors observe children as individuals. We gather information about each child to determine how best to encourage his or her development. Daily records are kept about your child's choices, progress and new lessons. The teacher then creates the environment from which the child learns. She is the observer and supporter of the child's spontaneous activity. Children can then follow their own inner direction to develop their own unique personality and talents. Dr. Montessori said, "Any unnecessary help is a hindrance." Suggested Readings for Adults We recommend that you go to the primary source and read at least one book written by Dr. Maria Montessori herself. (*These are good beginning books.) Books by Dr. Maria Montessori: Child Education Discovery of the Child Education and Peace Education for a New World From Childhood to Adolescence *The Absorbent Mind The Advanced Montessori Method, vol. 1 and 2 The Child in the Family To Educate the Human Potential The Formation of Man The Montessori Method *The Secret of Childhood What you Should Know About your Child Other Authors (*These are good beginning books) *Lillard, Paula Polk, Montessori A Modern Approach *Standing, E.M., Maria Montessori Her Life and Work Wolf, Aline D., Look at the Child, Parent Child Press, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, 1978. *Rambusch, Nancy McCormik, Learning How To Learn Malloy, Terry, Montessori and Your Child, Nienhuis Montessori, USA, 1974. Montanaro, M. D., Silvana Quattrocchi, Understanding the Human Being, Nienhuis USA, 1991. (Focuses primarily on birth to 3 years of age) Oriti, Patricia, At Home with Montessori, North American Montessori Teachers' Association, 1994. Montessori Education. American Montessori Society, 1994. AMS Position Papers. AMS, 1996. Booklist for Children Hayes, Rayma S., Maria Montessori; A Biography for Children, Little Star Montessori School Supply House, Winthrop, Washington, 1986. Wolf, Aline D., Our Peaceful Classroom, Parent Child Press, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, 1991. O'Connor, Barbara, Mammolina; A Story about Maria Montessori, Carolrhoda Books, Minneapolis, 1993.