An approach to education that recognizes the potential of the young child and understands his inner needs. Dr. Maria Montessori, world-renowned doctor and educator, recognized the years from birth to 6 as the most significant period of life. Herein lie the roots of character, self-esteem, social, emotional, and intellectual development. She described the child’s ability to learn effortlessly from all that surrounds him as the “absorbent mind” and over a lifetime of observing children, she designed the “prepared environment” to meet his needs for movement and exploration.Dr. Montessori observed a powerful driving force with the child to learn. In her word’s, “A child’s work is to create the man he will become…he works to perfect himself.” The child experiences joy and harmony when he is given interesting motives of activity and allowed the freedom to choose the work that attracts him and matches his needs. In the Montessori “prepared environment” the child is exposed to key learning experiences in five areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Culture—purposeful activities that he can accomplish on his own and repeat as often as he likes.
There is a direct correlation between a child’s feelings of self-esteem and confidence and his ability to control his behavior and show respect for others. The goal of the Montessori teacher is not only to give the child a foundation for academic excellence, but to nurture those feelings within the child that allow him to respond with enthusiasm and confidence to the challenges of life.
My name is Janelle Spilsbury, and I am certified by the Association Montessori International (AMI) to teach the primary curriculum for ages 2 ½ - 6. I received my training from the Montessori Education Center of Arizona, which is a certified and internationally recognized AMI training center. Montessori Children’s Garden is a fully equipped classroom located in a spacious separate area of my home. We work with small classes so that each child receives personal attention. I will be happy to visit with you about our school and your child. I taught for 10 years before taking a leave of absence to become a certified arborist and work with our family business Tree Doctors, Inc. Now I am back doing what I love best—helping children build solid foundations for a happy life.
Ralph Spilsbury, who has a Ph.D. in Plant Science will be working with me, making sure that we have lots of science projects along with our language, math, culture and practical life activities.
