Montessori Learning Environment
Bellingham Children's House follows the philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician. Her clinical observations led her to analyze how children learn and how they build themselves from what they find in their immediate environment. She found that young children thrive when allowed to grow and learn at their own pace in a stimulating and varied environment, free of obstacles to their development. She also found that children who are guided, rather than "taught", become calmer and happier and naturally develop to their fullest potential.
The Montessori Method emphasizes not only age appropriate learning, but also concern for the child's social, emotional, physical needs. This type of environment nurtures feelings of self-worth and competence.
Current early childhood theorists concur that it is in these early years that children develop the social, emotional, intellectual and physical foundation on which they build for the rest of their lives. The qualities developed in a Montessori environment at Bellingham Children's House - concentration, independence, self-discipline and a sense of order and responsibility - are essential for learning and for becoming a caring citizen who will contribute to making the world a better place.
The Montessori Method emphasizes not only age appropriate learning, but also concern for the child's social, emotional, physical needs. This type of environment nurtures feelings of self-worth and competence.
Current early childhood theorists concur that it is in these early years that children develop the social, emotional, intellectual and physical foundation on which they build for the rest of their lives. The qualities developed in a Montessori environment at Bellingham Children's House - concentration, independence, self-discipline and a sense of order and responsibility - are essential for learning and for becoming a caring citizen who will contribute to making the world a better place.
YouTube: Montessori Education for the Early Childhood Years (10:04 min)
Highlights of the Learning Environment at
Bellingham Children's House
- Child-Centered Environment: Focus of activity is on the child's learning, not the teacher's teaching.
- Prepared Environment: The classroom is designed to meet the needs, interests, abilities, and development of the children in the class.
- Focus on Individual Progress and Development: Children progress at their own pace.
- Self-Directed Activity: Children are driven by their desire to become independent and competent beings, learn new things, and master new skills.
- Freedom Within Limits: Children enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice within carefully designed limits. They are free to do anything that is in the classroom and is appropriate to the ground rules of the community.
- Additionally, Bellingham Children's House offers:
- A deep respect for each child as an individual.
- Hands-on, multi-sensory, concrete learning materials.
- A bright and exciting environment for learning.
- Encourages the development of self-discipline and an internal sense of purpose and motivation.
- Consciously teaches children to be kind and peaceful.
- An integrated curriculum.
- A multi-age classroom.