User:Sunitgrover/Paint Branch Montessori School

PHILOSOPHY OF PAINT BRANCH MONTESSORI SCHOOL: Paint Branch Montessori School shares the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori who believed in providing the children with an environment rich in opportunities to grow spiritually, mentally, and socially. Having a great desire to learn and explore the environment, the child becomes, to a large extent, her own teacher.

Children bring great enthusiasm and concentration to each activity they do. Paint Branch Montessori School understands that children do not learn through abstractions, as adults do, but learn by touching, tasting, and feeling everything they can. We support this learning process with a series of activities, graduated in difficulty. This approach leads each child to greater and greater success.

The teachers at Paint Branch Montessori School have Montessori training from either Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or the American Montessori Society (AMS). The Head of School is an experienced and certified Montessori teacher. The Director is a well respected and experienced Montessori teacher. All classes have assistant teachers.

The purpose of Montessori education at Paint Branch Montessori School is to aid children in their own natural development, which includes physical, emotional, and cognitive skills necessary for becoming an effective contributing member of society. Before making an intelligent choice about what they are to do with their lives and how to succeed in our culture, children need to know how culture evolves. This learning is achieved in a joyful process that reflects the pleasure of learning.

GOAL OF EDUCATION: The goal of Montessori education at Paint Branch Montessori School is to aid children in their own natural development. This includes physical, emotional, and cognitive skills necessary for becoming an effective contributing member of society.

CURRICULUM Before making an intelligent choice about what they are to do with their lives and how to succeed in our culture, children need to know how culture evolves. This learning is achieved in a joyful process that reflects the pleasure of learning. The curriculum includes the following subjects:

Language Arts Mathematics History Geography Music Science Art Physical Education Spanish

Practical Life Practical life activities are most suited to the young child entering a Montessori class. The child's entire focus is in doing activities by himself. There are materials to button, buckle, and lace so that he learns to care for himself. The classroom is truly his own to care for, with plants to be watered, and tables and chairs to be washed and moved at will. The children do not 'play house' because they have a real house to care for. Children acquire coordination and a longer attention span with the exercises of practical life. The elementary classes extend practical life lessons to include caring for the earth and the environment and involvement with the community to learn to be caring individuals.

Sensorial Materials Using sensorial materials children work with color, shape and sound, to isolate and highlight sense impressions, one sense at a time. This allows them to classify and sort the hundreds of impressions they have absorbed since birth. With this work, children develop keen perceptions which prepare them for reading and mathematics.

Language Arts Language is an integral component of the entire Montessori curriculum, since all thoughts, ideas, and concepts can only be understood and clarified through oral and written communication. In Montessori classes, language is presented in a context or body of information, rather than in isolation of other material. In both oral and written form, language is viewed primarily as a vehicle to communicate ideas and feelings, whose form alters with the purpose for which it is used.

Spanish All Paint Branch Montessori School, students attend weekly Spanish classes. The preschool class includes Spanish songs, books, dance and dialogue. Kindergarten through sixth grade students progress through levels of Spanish vocabulary and conversation.

Mathematics Montessori math materials have been specially designed to enable the student to discover and learn mathematical concepts in a concrete way. After the concepts been learned through the use of material, the student is able to easily understand abstract numerical concepts. Thus mathematical skill follow readily after 'hands on' experiences. Science, History and Geography

These subjects are designed to give students knowledge about the development of the solar system, the earth and its configurations, life on earth, the needs of plants and animals, the development of man, early civilizations, and recorded history. Other related subjects are presented following the interests of the children.

The elementary classes include lab work to gain a deeper knowledge of the plant and animal world.

Art Various media are used to aid the development of creative expressions and skills. There are a variety of techniques and media available in the classroom. Art history and music appreciation are introduced to the students by a specialist in weekly classes.

Music At Paint Branch Montessori School, students in Kindergarten through grade six attend special music classes each week. Kindergarten age students practice singing and study beginning musical concepts. Grades one through six attend instrumental music classes progressing from the study of Orff musical instruments to recorder class. Children also have the option of flute classes with our instrumental music teacher. Music classes for all levels of students include music appreciation and music history.

Physical Education Physical education is a integral part of the whole curriculum. Our Montessori environment provides for both the promotion and the refinement of movement. Each student is encouraged to develop athletic skills that maybe built later in life. Our emphasis is on the individual improving his own abilities and learning to be an effective team member.

Primary Program 2 1/2 year olds - 6 year olds

Practical Life Practical Life activities are most suited to the young child entering a Montessori class. The child's entire focus is in doing activities for himself. There are materials to button, buckle, and lace so that he learns to care for himself. The classroom is truly his own to care for, with plants to be watered, and tables and chairs to be washed and moved at will. The children do not 'play house' because they have a real house to care for. Children acquire coordination and a longer attention span with the exercises of Practical Life.

Sensorial Materials Using sensorial materials, children work with color, shape and sound, to isolate and highlight sense impressions, one sense at a time. This allows them to classify and sort the hundreds of impressions they have absorbed since birth. With this work, children develop keen perceptions which prepare them for reading and mathematics.

Language Arts Language is an integral component of the entire Montessori curriculum, since all thoughts, ideas, and concepts can only be understood and clarified through oral and written communication. In Montessori classes, language is presented in a context or body of information, rather than in isolation of other material. In both oral and written form, language is viewed primarily as a vehicle to communicate ideas and feelings, whose form alters with the purpose for which it is used.

Curriculum includes: Language Arts Math: Material Cultural (Science and Social Studies) Spanish Art, Music, PE, Drama

Elementary Grades 1 - 6

Language Arts For Elementary Language is an integral component of the entire Montessori curriculum, since all thoughts, ideas, and concepts can only be understood and clarified through oral and written communication. In Montessori classrooms, language is presented in a context or body of information, rather than in isolation of other material. In both oral and written form, language is viewed primarily as a vehicle to communicate ideas and feelings, whose form alters with the purpose for which it is used.

Mathematics for Elementary Montessori math materials have been very carefully designed to enable the student to discover and learn mathematical concepts in a concrete way. After the concepts been learned through the use of material, the student is able to easily understand abstract numerical concepts. Thus mathematical skill follows readily after 'hands on' experiences.

Science, History and Geography for Elementary These subjects are designed to give students knowledge about the development of the solar system, the earth and its configurations, life on earth, the needs of plants and animals, the development of man, early civilizations, and recorded history. Other related subjects are presented following the interests of the children. Language is an integral component of the entire Montessori curriculum, since all thoughts, ideas, and concepts can only be understood and clarified through oral and written communication.

Specialist Studies Spanish for all students All Paint Branch Montessori School students attend weekly Spanish classes. The preschool class includes Spanish songs, books, dance and dialogue. Kindergarten through sixth grade students progress through levels of Spanish vocabulary and conversation. Classes are run by a native Spanish speaking instructor who also introduces food and culture through the means of songs, cooking and art and craft.

Art for all students Various media are used to aid the development of creative expressions and skills. There are a variety of techniques and media available in the classroom. Art history and appreciation are introduced to the students in weekly classes.

Music for all students Paint Branch Montessori School students in Kindergarten through grade six attend special music classes each week. Kindergarten age students practice singing and study beginning musical concepts. Grades one through six attend instrumental music classes progressing from the study of musical instruments to recorder class and learning to conduct music! Music classes for all levels of students include music appreciation and music history.

Physical Education for all students Physical education is an integral part of the whole curriculum. Our Montessori environment provides for both the promotion and the refinement of movement. Each student is encouraged to develop athletic skills that maybe built later in life. Our emphasis is on the individual improving his own abilities and learning to be an effective team member

Special Events During Previous Years Back to School Picnics, Community Feasts Phoenix Rising - 2006, May Fair - 2007, Mardi Gras - 2008, Spaghetti Dinner - 2008, End of School Picnics

Theatrical Productions: The Nutcracker - 2004, December in Our Town - 2005, Rats - 2006, Ravel's Carnival of the Animals - 2007

Parent Education: Cultural Studies - Fall, Language Arts - Winter, Mathematics - Winter, Parent/Child Demonstration Night - Winter And other sessions that our parents are interested in, for example, a Parenting Class was also held in 2008. Summer Program

Signature Programs: Annual Science Fair Field Trips such as Green Meadows Farms, Baltimore Aquarium, Kennedy Center, Publick Playhouse, Museum of the Native American, National Gallery of Art, Upper Elementary Field Trip to Echo Hill Bi-Annual Scholastic Book Fairs Student Art Gallery/Show Monthly Assemblies Annual Field Day Earth Day International Day St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Mathathon Book It Life After Paint Branch

TRADITIONS Grand Parents DayThis is a very special day for our children as we welcome Grandparents to our school. Grandparents spend time in the class as well as enjoy morning tea prepared and served by our older, Upper Elementary students as part of their grace and courtesy lessons.

Pumpkin Patch Day Each year, we host Pumpkin Patch Day. Each class takes part in some fun activities and each student gets a "magic pumpkin" to take home. We end this fun morning by gathering on the deck to share a special snack. Fall Celebration== Superscript text ==Family and friends are invited to join us in the Kelley Room for our Fall/Halloween Celebration assembly. Come and admire the wonderful costumes our students wear and join us in celebration as we sing some holiday songs. We also walk across to the Hillhaven Nursing Home to sing holiday songs for the residents.

All School Thanksgiving CelebrationThis is a very special event for our school. All students share in a formal Thanksgiving feast in the Kelley Room. The Upper Elementary students host this luncheon. Each classroom provides a dish of food they cooked, to share. This event is a great reflection of the wonderful community of students we have at our school.

Scholastic Book Fair WeekThis is a favorite event enjoyed by all our students. Each class has an opportunity to visit the Book Fair and take part in planned activities in celebration of Book Fair Week. Family and friends are invited to come and shop for some quality books. This popular event occurs twice in a year.

Parent Education NightsOur teachers talk about how the Montessori curriculum aims for the holistic development of a child. The basis for the learning are the students' needs according to their Sensitive Periods for Learning. We organize three nights for parent education. One each for Cultural Studies, Language and Math. These events are enjoyed by all who attend. It is indeed a great opportunity for families to have hands on experience with the Montessori materials our children use on a daily basis.

Parent Child NightThis is our most popular evening program. The students are the teachers as the parents come to visit. Lessons are presented to parents with the materials the students use during the day.

Crazy Hair DayAll students who wish to participate in this fun day are invited to come to school with the most unusual hairstyle they can think of.

Testimonials From the family of one of our students: To Paint Branch families, My name is Jen and I am the mother of Kay, who is a 5th grader at Paint Branch Montessori School. Kay started at Paint Branch Montessori School at the age of 3.5 years, making this her 7th year at the school. I believe that choosing the learning institutions that your children will attend is one of the biggest and most important decisions in life that you will make for them. read more... To Whom It May Concern: Over the past seven years, my wife and I have had the privilege of observing and participating in the learning experiences of our granddaughter, Kay, at the Paint Branch Montessori School.

Kaylee started at Paint Branch when she was three years old. Our family chose Paint Branch because of it's outstanding academic reputations and committed teaching staff, as well as its inviting surroundings. read more... November 8, 2007

Observing M, as well as her classmates, was informative and reinforced my thoughts that the Montessori approach is what M responds to and needs. I enjoyed seeing M accomplish several tasks and was happy to see the pride that she had in her accomplishments. Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the children work as well as interact with each other. I am happy to have M at Paint Branch. - Jackie at Fall in-class observation appointment. November 8, 2007

It is amazing how much Lisa has grown in a year. I was happy to see her working with the letters and she was very happy to show me many activities around the room. I love how the classroom has such a calm but engaged atmosphere and how the children interacted with each other. Thank you for everything. I know Lisa is getting the best here. - Dara at Fall in-class observation appointment. April 25, 2008

This science fair was excellent. The range of topics, the authentic work from the Kindergarten to upper elementary, and the knowledge gained, were strong indicators of learning. It was most rewarding to hear how knowledgeable students were when presented with questions and the numerous opportunities they had to share one-on-one with parents further strengthens their articulation skills. I am proud to be associated with a school with vast opportunities for real learning for students. Great job students. - Jeannie at 2008 Annual Science Fair April 27th, 2007

Fantastic! Each and every one of these children take on a new, refreshing look at things we take for granted. The ownership, responsibility and dedication to fulfill these projects exceed expectations. They really work hard and succeed because of the leadership and teachings that start with all of the staff. Thank you for the opportunity. Can't wait till next year or earlier! - Steven at 2007 Annual Science Fair. Paint Branch Montessori School 3215 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1097 (301) 937-2244 info@pbmontessori.com

* Copyright © 2008 Paint Branch Montessori School