Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the highly trained teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.
Montessori classrooms are beautifully crafted environments designed to meet the needs of children in a specific age range. St. Gabriel's Montessori preschool will serve 3-6 year olds. Dr. Maria Montessori, founder and developer of the methodology, discovered that experiential learning in this type of classroom led to a deeper understanding of language, mathematics, science, music, social interactions and much more.
Every material in a Montessori classroom supports an aspect of child development, creating a match between the child’s natural interests and the available activities. Children can learn through their own experience and at their own pace. They can respond at any moment to the natural curiosities that exist in all humans and build a solid foundation for life-long learning.
In our Montessori Preschool, we will be incorporating Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on a regular basis.
The catechesis of children, of young people and of adults has given rise to a type of Christian who is conscious of his faith and who acts consistently with it in his life. In such Christians this catechesis has encouraged: – a new and vital experience of God as merciful Father; – a more profound rediscovery of Jesus Christ, not only in his divinity but also in his humanity; – a sense of co-responsibility on the part of all for the mission of the Church in the world; – and a raising of consciousness with regard to the social obligations of the faith.
-General Directory for Catechesis 24
Click here to learn more: CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD WEBSITE