|
The Montessori
Method: A Proven Success
CMHC has understood
for over 36 years what educational research is only discovering – that young children learn best when:
§
Their environment is child-sized and materials are used which
culminate the child’s
natural desire to learn by capturing their curiosity and interests.
§
They are free to choose activities appropriate to their level
of development rather than being forced to learn facts from a
pre-selected curriculum.
§
The activities they choose encourage purposeful, independent
exploration, and allow for more than one correct response.
§
The classroom is a multi-aged environment, closely resembling a
family structure and encouraging cooperative efforts with one another in
their daily activities.
§
The hand is the most important teacher of the child.
Concentration is essential for learning and the best way for a child to
concentrate is to fix his/her attention on some task performed with the
hand. All the equipment in a Montessori classroom invites the child to
use his/her hands for learning.
The
Montessori Environment:
Respect for the Child
§
Self-teaching, self-correcting materials allow children to
experience the joy of discovery.
§
CMHC’s children learn how to become more
independent, how to learn and think, communicate with respect, and behave
responsibly.
§
Children are trusted and treated with respect by their teachers
and are encouraged to reciprocate that respect to teachers and peers.
They are expected to work out their own social relationships when they
can.
§
Teachers prepare the children to make a smooth transition to
other schools and educational methodologies.
CMHC:
Philosophy and
History
The mission of CMHC
is to support the natural development of children by the use of
developmentally appropriate teaching materials which enable the child to
learn through a process of education by doing.
The school strives to educate the whole child – body, mind, and spirit – and help him/her achieve maximum growth in
the areas of physical growth and development because he/she is motivated
from within by a natural curiosity and love of knowledge.
Our teachers strive
to develop the “total child”. They believe that a well-adjusted and
happy child is eager and ready to learn. Individualized learning, a
purposefully structured program of learning in a multi-sensory classroom
supports a wide variety of learning styles.
Founded in 1973,
CMCH served approximately 40 students between the ages of three and six.
All teachers are graduates of certified Montessori teaching programs and
have had many years of Montessori teaching experience.
There are two
primary classes for children age three to six.
CMHC was the first
Montessori school in Columbia,
SC; and has always adhered to a strict policy
of non-discrimination on every aspect of the school. Since its inception, the school has worked hard to
serve diversity in Columbia, and the children of the school have always been a reflection
of that diversity.
The
Montessori Education:
Seeing Is Believing
Because the
Montessori classroom is a unique learning environment, we strongly
encourage you to visit our school. By seeing our students in action, and
observing the roles of the teachers in their classroom, as well as
examining the Montessori materials, you will have a better understanding
of what an exciting learning experience a Montessori education can be for
your child. Also worth noting, our Parents Information Meeting is held in
January of each year.
Please call
256-4794 to schedule a time to visit the school.
(TOP
OF PAGE)
|