MONTESSORI TOOLS - SCAFFOLDED LEARNING

The Montessori approach is very much a sequential learning system. Skills are built over time through a variety of activities and experiences. Everything in the prepared environment has a purpose and in some way contributes towards our larger goals for the child. 

In the Children's House, for example, writing preparation begins with activities like painting and polishing that prepare the hand and help the child develop their grip. When they are introduced to writing numbers or letters, the first activity is on a chalboard which has a big open space. Next they work on paper, still open but a smaller space. Later, they will move to writing on lined paper, where the space is smaller and more defined. But when the child tackles that challenge, they are able to focus on touching the lines because the skill of forming the letter has already been developed. 

At home, I'm sure you can think of many ways to use this approach with your child. Perhaps you'd like them to help with the responsibility of giving a drink to your family pet. Start first on a bigger canvas, like pouring in the bathtub or flower garden. Gradually increase the difficulty by practicing in different ways until they have the skills they need to successfully give the dog a drink   

Find out more at The Montessori Notebook

SUMMER CAMP SIGN UP IS LIVE!

Summer Camp at CMS starts June 3rd and ends July 26th. Casita & Children's House students can enroll for one month or all summer. The YMCA camp enrolls weekly. We also have some special weekly camps for Upper El and Adolescent students. Click on the links below and browse around for more info.

• Casita & Children's House students sign up here with CMS for camp
• Elementary students sign up here with the YMCA for camp  ***NOTE: The YMCA sign up for CMS begins on week 2 of their summer program. They have other locations offering camp the week of May 27th.  Please go by the dates listed to ensure you are signing up for the weeks you want. 
• Adolescent & Upper El students students can sign up here for 4 weekly camps from our Nova Guides. Each week has a different theme!