The
Children's Schoolhouse of Wilmington NC, is a small traditional
Montessori School committed to a high quality of individual academic
experience administered with an enthusiastic but gentle approach.
The loving and supportive environment creates a safe place for
children to
learn and grow to the limit of their abilities.
The school is well known for skillfully creating a strong Montessori
foundation for each child that successfully carries over into
any school environment. Each classroom Directress is Montessori
Certified and brings many years of seasoned Montessori experience
to the school community.
Reading
is taught phonetically and incorporates whole language as a natural
part of the classroom environment. Individual daily lessons are
given in the spirit of joy, instead of drudgery. The door to reading
opens as soon as a child can decode a simple three-letter word.
A goal of the school is for children to love to learn to read!
Handwriting is introduced as a natural part of the reading process.
Mathematical concepts are introduced with manipulatives
and are a part of the daily classroom experience.
Music
is an integral part of the daily classroom activity.
Each day ends in song and movement. The very popular drum circle
is characterized by a sharing of rhythm and culture. Stage performances
entertain parents and friends during the school's annual Christmas
Program. A spring performance engages the children in a wonderful
intergenerational exchange with the "over fifty" group
of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.
Art
Appreciation and Art History introduces many famous
artists as well as local artistic talent. Reproductions of great
masterpieces inspire an appreciation of beauty at any age. Children
are encouraged to explore a variety of art materials on a daily
basis. They are given a space to work uninterrupted, when they
feel inspired. Children are taught how to use and care for these
materials.
Geography, Botany, Zoology, Earth Science,
History and Sensorial Education are also curriculum themes.
Our Spanish Program incorporates
music, movement and art. Most children learn foreign languages
easily and also become aware of other languages and cultures.
Practical
Life activities bring great joy to the children as they strive
for independence. Some of these activities include pouring, spooning,
mirror, wood, brass and silver polishing as well as cleaning work
areas, preparing and serving snacks to classmates.
Grace
and Courtesy Lessons include opening and closing a door quietly,
blowing one's nose, learning to say excuse me, please and thank
you, how to greet people, how to comfort a friend that is hurt,
and saying grace at mealtime. There are many more lessons! The
most effective way to introduce these mannerly concepts is by
role-playing. This is dramatic and great fun!
In the classroom of little children, there is a busy hum
of activity. There is movement, concentration, work, socialization
and laughter.
At the end of the day, most things are miraculously back in place,
but the room does look as if it has been used. This is a "comfortable"
type of neatness. The children love all types of work and take
much pride in what they do.
The
attitude of the classroom population is one of community. Every
child is different, important and offers a special gift to the
school community.
Dr. Montessori said," The education of even a very small
child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school but
for life."
Montessori Marine Science Summer Camp is an excellent opportunity
for young children to explore our wonderful marine environment
in a safe classroom setting. The program is a blend of science,
art and music. This exciting half-day program is offered during
the months of June and July. Children from other schools attend
this special "camp".
