Learning Environments

One visit to a classroom should convince you that the program at New World Montessori School is what education should be.
— Judy Bentley, Parent
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Montessori learning

  • Respects the needs of each child.

  • Allows children to develop at their own natural pace.

  • Increases confidence.

  • Creates opportunities for rich exploration.

  • Offers possibilities for advanced development at every stage of learning.

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Montessori Method

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Dr. Maria Montessori observed young children in Italy in the early 1900’s and developed a child-centered curriculum that is now implemented and celebrated around the world. 

Dr. Montessori felt strongly that by working independently with guidance and encouragement, children would be self-motivated to embrace learning.

Montessori classrooms are child-centered environments that span three ages, typically 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12. The classroom atmosphere is calm, noncompetitive and industrious. In a family-like setting, the children develop self-confidence, social skills, responsibility, and a deep love of learning.

The Montessori curriculum is based on respect for the child. Teachers use calm voices and model what Dr. Montessori called “grace and courtesy.” Children learn not only academics, but also the practical life skills, work habits, and social awareness that prepare them to interact successfully with the world around them. At New World, children are prepared for life, not for tests.

A Montessori classroom is a carefully thought-out educational setting that allows a child to develop fully based on his or her readiness. The Montessori materials were brilliantly designed to be self-correcting and to encourage self-direction, experimentation, independent thinking, and creativity. 

Children are free to move and explore, and they learn at their own rate regardless of chronological age. As they experience success, they feel both competent and confident.

In the words of Maria Montessori, “To consider the school as a place where instruction is given is one point of view. But to consider the school as a preparation for life is another. In the latter case, the school must satisfy all the needs of life.”

To learn more about the theory and methods of Montessori education, visit the Association Montessori Internationale website.

Learn more about Montessori principles.

Watch videos about Montessori education in action.

TODDLER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

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Toddler Program

Ms. Riley’s Classroom

Ages 18-36 months

HALF DAY 8:00AM - 11:15AM

FULL DAY 8:00AM - 3:00PM

After-school care available

Toddler Program

The toddler room is a home-like environment where children can have a peaceful and loving introduction to Montessori school. Children develop self confidence as they learn to function independently within a prepared Montessori-like environment. They develop both fine motor and large motor skills by using the carefully chosen classroom materials. They learn social skills in an enriching atmosphere of understanding, respect, and support. Toddlers are very sensitive to learning language, so we expand their growing vocabularies with songs, stories, poems, art, and an abundance of stimulating activities.

The New World Montessori Toddler Community is a nurturing, home-like setting where children from 18 months to 3 years old are able to make the most of what Dr. Montessori called “the absorbent mind.” At their young age, learning is constant, effortless, and utterly joyful.

The Montessori toddler classroom is carefully prepared to provide a wide range of stimulating, engrossing activities within a caring, calm environment. The materials are placed low on shelves so children learn to choose and use them independently and productively. Each material has a purpose in helping children develop their potential. As they explore their classroom, absorbing language and concepts, small children gain independence, self-discipline, and social skills.

Children feel safe and secure in a Montessori setting because the room is designed to meet their needs for order, consistency, and purposeful activity. They gain confidence as they discover they are capable of completing tasks successfully.

Read about how to bring Montessori ideas for toddlers into your home.

(left to right) Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Riley (lead) and Ms. Rosy

(left to right) Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Riley (lead) and Ms. Rosy

Key aspects of the toddler program:

  • gentle atmosphere of respect and encouragement

  • uncluttered environment

  • balance between freedom and limits

  • individualized learning

  • developmentally appropriate activities, including self care and care of environment

  • exposure to basic math and science concepts

  • a focus on grace and courtesy

  • language and vocabulary enrichment

  • exposure to cultures and languages

  • creative expression

  • gardening and nature studies

TODdler program focuses on these areas

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Language Development

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SENSORIAL

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Socialization

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Practical life

 

PRIMARY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

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Primary Program

Ages 2 1/2 - 6 years

PRIMARY 8AM - 11:15AM

BAMBINI 11:15AM - 3PM

EXTENDED DAY 11:15AM - 3PM

After-school care available

(left to right) Ms. Ruppa, Lead and Ms. Miller, Asst.

(left to right) Ms. Ruppa, Lead and Ms. Miller, Asst.

(left to right) Ms. Ray, Lead and Ms. Sofia, Asst.

(left to right) Ms. Ray, Lead and Ms. Sofia, Asst.

Primary Program

In a Montessori classroom, children experience an environment that encourages independence, discovery, respect for others, and unlimited opportunities to learn. Their lessons include practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language arts, and cultural activities. The Montessori teaching materials translate concepts into beautiful, inviting, and self-correcting activities that nourish what Maria Montessori called the “absorbent mind” of the child. The morning includes a snack and a group activity as well as ample time for individual exploration.

At New World, we believe that children are the creators of the adults they will become. The Montessori classroom aids children in reaching their fullest potential in a harmonious and joyful environment. By using inviting materials that allow for self-correction and self-paced work, children flourish and feel deep satisfaction as they develop social graces, muscular coordination, concentration, self-discipline and independence.

In the Children’s House, children ages 2 ½ through 6, are introduced to practical life skills, sensory development, mathematical concepts, reading, writing, vocabulary, science, geography, music, and art.

Children learn to follow tasks through to completion, put things away, and share materials. Academics are introduced through concrete, manipulable materials that employ all five senses and lay the groundwork for abstract thinking. Children are free to make choices while they also learn the importance of kindness, patience, and respect for others.

Primary program focuses on these six areas

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Language

Young children have a magnificent gift. They absorb language effortlessly. In the Montessori classroom, we give them every opportunity to enrich their vocabulary as we name objects in the environment, give scientific classifications for leaf shapes and parts of animals, teach geographic names, and identify shapes, dimensions, and sizes. Using moveable alphabet and sandpaper letters, children learn the sounds of letters. Soon they are linking letters to make words, then words to make sentences. After sufficient experience with oral language and individual sounds, they advance to cursive writing and phonetic reading.

Mathematics

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that every human being has a mathematical mind. It is in our nature to quantify, measure, compute, estimate, and see patterns and sequences. Children’s understanding of basic numerical concepts, place value, and the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division emerges from using tactile materials that allow them to visualize the abstraction of numbers. By exploring with materials that enable self-correction, children build a foundation of concrete experiences that give them a lifelong understanding of mathematical principles.

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Sensorial

Sensorial materials are designed to heighten and refine the senses of sight, touch, sound, taste, and smell. By using all their senses, children come to understand and classify the environment. As children learn to distinguish, categorize, and compare the qualities of concrete materials, they also enrich their vocabulary and lay the foundation for understanding abstract concepts in math and geometry. Sensorial materials also develop the small muscle coordination necessary to master writing.

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Cultural Areas

In a Montessori classroom, the natural and cultural diversity of the world is embraced. During the absorbent mind period, children explore geography, botany, zoology, science, history, art, and music. Montessori materials introduce the animal kingdom, the world of plants, and experimental science. Children learn about our planet and its diverse peoples and countries through puzzle maps, music, flags, artifacts, and the celebration of holidays.

Practical Life

Activities of daily living prepare children to care for themselves and their environment and give each child a sense of mastery and self-confidence. By performing such tasks as sweeping, polishing, washing, and preparing food, children develop coordination, concentration, and good work habits. Lessons in grace and courtesy are also an important part of practical life. In a harmonious classroom, children learn to practice good manners and gain consideration for others.

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Art, Music and Movement

In an authentic Montessori classroom, art, movement and music are interwoven into the life of the classroom. Many Montessori lessons incorporate tracing, drawing, and illustrating. Children can also express their creativity through a variety of open-ended art activities. The Montessori music curriculum includes The Bells, individual bells that give a visual impression of the C Major scale.  The bells teach discrimination of tones, pitch training, and reading and writing of music. The delicate sound of children playing the bells creates a lovely, peaceful mood in the classroom.   

 

elementary LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

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Elementary Program

Grades 1 - 5

ELEMENTARY 8AM - 3PM

After-school care available

Elementary Program

The goal of the elementary Montessori program is to prepare 6 to 12-year old children to enter adolescence as highly functioning and caring citizens of the world. At New World, we provide opportunities for every child to achieve academic excellence, but the acquisition of knowledge and skills is not our only goal. We also seek to awaken imagination, encourage independence, and help children to observe, question and explore ideas. We demonstrate and value kindness, self-discipline, compassion, and acceptance.

In the elementary classroom, children are able to make choices and explore their interests without fear of making mistakes. They prepare for the real world by working together cooperatively in an atmosphere of respect. Instead of competing with each other or focusing on grades, they grow into a community where they practice important social skills every day.

SPANISH Program

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Spanish Program

Provided for all classrooms

Included in tuition

As part of our commitment to diversity, New World Montessori School provides experiences that expose children to various cultures. Our families come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, and we are fortunate to have two native Spanish speakers on our staff.

Research has shown that children who are exposed early to other languages display more positive attitudes to other cultures. The experience of learning a language introduces them to a broader world in ways they might otherwise have not experienced.

Exposing young children to a second language also boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory and concentration. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility.

 
 

nature Program

“How often is the soul of man – especially in childhood – deprived because he is not allowed to come in contact with nature?”
— Maria Montessori

Dr. Montessori was a scientist who had a profound reverence for the intricacies and mysteries of the natural world. Nurturing a deep connection to nature and inspiring wonder are integral to her educational approach. Dr. Montessori’s vision for schools was always a combination of indoor and outdoor classrooms. She believed that if children can see themselves as part of a greater universe, they can begin to understand the interconnectedness of all things.

Time spent outdoors deepens every child’s awareness of interconnections and respect for all living things. Children who feel comfortable in nature also demonstrate reduced stress, an increase in curiosity, creativity and problem-solving abilities, and improved physical and emotional health.

At New World Montessori School, each classroom has direct access to our safe, fenced-in outdoor space. Our children love to spend time in those outdoor classrooms, which they do regularly as part of our Nature Study Program. In addition, our school is minutes away from the 438-acre Mequon Nature Preserve which offers forests, wetlands, fields, an observation tower, nature center and many programs.

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After School program

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After School Program

Available to ages 18 months - 10 yrs

DAILY 3:00 - 4:30PM

After School Program

The After School Program at New World is designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for Toddler, Primary and Elementary students.

After-school care is available to New World Montessori school children on a first come, first served basis. The after-school program follows the same rules and procedures that are used during the school day.

Primary and Elementary children can be independent and enjoy choosing age-appropriate materials, games, art media, and outside play time. Toddlers can take a nap, eat a snack, and enjoy each other’s company in play. 

Learn about our team of experienced teachers and their love for children, dedication to teaching, and enthusiasm to create a truly wonderful environment to nurture a child’s love of learning.

We understand the importance of nurturing a child’s natural ability to care for others, help those in need, and learn through first-hand adventures. Our students know the impact they can have locally and globally.

The Montessori approach respects the needs of each child, allowing them to develop at their own pace. This increases confidence and creates opportunities for rich exploration at every stage of learning.