Primary Program - 3 to 5 years
Our primary guides are certified through an AMS, AMI or MACTE accredited program meaning they have completed coursework, testing and a year internship under the guidance of a certified teacher. Understanding how important having an education is many of our lead guides and assistants have their bachelors in various degrees, their Child Development Associates or certifications qualifying them to work in a Montessori school. We are a facility that enjoys educating and allowing our assistants to become certified and lead future classrooms. We are a stepping stone for many assistants as they go off and teach in a local school district, lead a class of their own or simply enjoy their position as is. We take great pride knowing our assistants have familiarized themselves with the Montessori curriculum and philosophy, methods of discipline, classroom management and instruction.
Neither solemn nor chaotic, there are cheerful, stimulating areas where children are secure to develop at a pace unique and natural to each. There are open spaces, within which the children are urged to choose their own activities displayed on open shelves or in areas around the room. An emphasis on the feelings and rights of others, and on protocol of using and sharing classroom materials, contributes to children’s sense of self-discipline and control: skills that help them make constructive use of classroom time and freedom. As children develop social relationships, they learn to solve problems and understand other’s perspectives.
The only pre-established expectation of children is that they progress at a rate determined by their abilities and needs. Recognizing that children often learn best by helping one another, the Primary curriculum is not based on a set of rigid age-groupings, but rather on a constructive and mutually beneficial mix of older and younger children. As a result, their learning is enhanced by observing others and by teaching experiences that strengthen understanding and self-confidence.
The FWMS staff carefully observes each child to know when he or she is ready for new learning experiences. Thus, though learning is self-paced, it is not random. The teachers work with the children individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. Activities are given for hands-on use and presented visually and orally. The room allows children places to do things alone or in groups. There are quiet places and areas for greater activity.
The graduates of the Fort Worth Montessori School are well prepared to attend the local public and private schools. A majority of the graduates go off to attend Fort Worth Country Day, Trinity Valley School, All Saints Episcopal School, Southwest Christianand other local public and private schools.
The classrooms are organized into specific areas and children have the freedom to move between them or choose materials from one particular area. Thus, a visitor might notice a group of children working together on a math exercise at the same table that others may be doing an art project, writing a story, or playing a game with color tablets.
Practical Life exercises gives children the chance to master everyday tasks, an important step toward building self-confidence. Meaningful tasks such as pouring, buttoning, polishing shoes, washing dishes, or paring vegetables give children opportunities to care for themselves as well as serve others. Good work habits are established as children learn the importance of completing a task, cleaning up, and returning the materials to the appropriate place, ready for others to use. Through these activities, fine motor skills are developed, attention span is extended, group cooperation skills are acquired, and children become aware of sequence and notice details.
Sensorial Exercises help children to distinguish, categorize, and relate new information to what they already know. Young children learn best when allowed to touch, feel, hold, smell, listen, and taste. Children experience the similarities and differences of size weight, texture, color, sounds, and other properties and are then encouraged to use these skills to explore their world.
Language Arts include oral language development, written expression, reading, creative dramatics, and children’s literature. Vocabulary is stimulated in every moment of classroom activity. Children are encouraged to participate during lessons, to ask and answer questions, tell stories, explain activities -- all of which helps them organize their ideas. Children acquire literacy through meaningful activities, opportunities to explore their environment, and a rich foundation. Direct lessons are given in meaningful and appropriate ways when children show readiness to extend their knowledge and abilities. We always welcome parents to visit our classrooms and read to the children during circle time.
Mathematics equipment is accessible to children so they can easily and joyfully assimilate concepts, operations, and numerical relationships. Children do not sit down and memorize abstract facts, but rather discover they know them when they apply math concepts to real life situations. Children also investigate two and three dimensional shapes, measurements, graphs, time and money as aspects of mathematics.
Cultural Programs expand the children’s concepts of the world around them. Art in the pre-school environment strives to maintain the great joy the child finds in creating something personal. The children have the freedom to explore their imaginations in a variety of mediums used for expression. The importance of the process is stressed, though projects are often integrated into all other curriculum areas for Extended Day children. Cooking and Nutrition projects help children learn about food groups and what their bodies need to be healthy in addition to measuring and counting concepts.
Every November we celebrate Cultural Day where each classroom concentrates on one specific country. During the month they learn new songs, vocabulary, projects, traditions and the culture of the country. On our final day, before Fall Break, we invite all of the families out to have a cultural feast based upon the country they studied. The families, students and staff have a great time enjoying delicious foods, hearing their children sing new songs and games.
Geography, History, and Economics help children learn about other people, places, times, animals, and basic needs and to appreciate their own place in the world. The children learn about the continents, traditions, cultures, oceans and a special tribute on Western Day in January to their home state of Texas.
In Science and Nature activities, the children’s natural curiosity is stimulated through discovery projects and experiments, helping them draw their own conclusions. The plant and animal kingdoms are explored to foster an appreciation for all living things and the uniqueness of all creation. Our school works with local Master Gardeners who help us learn, create, plant and harvest our gardens.
Neither solemn nor chaotic, there are cheerful, stimulating areas where children are secure to develop at a pace unique and natural to each. There are open spaces, within which the children are urged to choose their own activities displayed on open shelves or in areas around the room. An emphasis on the feelings and rights of others, and on protocol of using and sharing classroom materials, contributes to children’s sense of self-discipline and control: skills that help them make constructive use of classroom time and freedom. As children develop social relationships, they learn to solve problems and understand other’s perspectives.
The only pre-established expectation of children is that they progress at a rate determined by their abilities and needs. Recognizing that children often learn best by helping one another, the Primary curriculum is not based on a set of rigid age-groupings, but rather on a constructive and mutually beneficial mix of older and younger children. As a result, their learning is enhanced by observing others and by teaching experiences that strengthen understanding and self-confidence.
The FWMS staff carefully observes each child to know when he or she is ready for new learning experiences. Thus, though learning is self-paced, it is not random. The teachers work with the children individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. Activities are given for hands-on use and presented visually and orally. The room allows children places to do things alone or in groups. There are quiet places and areas for greater activity.
The graduates of the Fort Worth Montessori School are well prepared to attend the local public and private schools. A majority of the graduates go off to attend Fort Worth Country Day, Trinity Valley School, All Saints Episcopal School, Southwest Christianand other local public and private schools.
The classrooms are organized into specific areas and children have the freedom to move between them or choose materials from one particular area. Thus, a visitor might notice a group of children working together on a math exercise at the same table that others may be doing an art project, writing a story, or playing a game with color tablets.
Practical Life exercises gives children the chance to master everyday tasks, an important step toward building self-confidence. Meaningful tasks such as pouring, buttoning, polishing shoes, washing dishes, or paring vegetables give children opportunities to care for themselves as well as serve others. Good work habits are established as children learn the importance of completing a task, cleaning up, and returning the materials to the appropriate place, ready for others to use. Through these activities, fine motor skills are developed, attention span is extended, group cooperation skills are acquired, and children become aware of sequence and notice details.
Sensorial Exercises help children to distinguish, categorize, and relate new information to what they already know. Young children learn best when allowed to touch, feel, hold, smell, listen, and taste. Children experience the similarities and differences of size weight, texture, color, sounds, and other properties and are then encouraged to use these skills to explore their world.
Language Arts include oral language development, written expression, reading, creative dramatics, and children’s literature. Vocabulary is stimulated in every moment of classroom activity. Children are encouraged to participate during lessons, to ask and answer questions, tell stories, explain activities -- all of which helps them organize their ideas. Children acquire literacy through meaningful activities, opportunities to explore their environment, and a rich foundation. Direct lessons are given in meaningful and appropriate ways when children show readiness to extend their knowledge and abilities. We always welcome parents to visit our classrooms and read to the children during circle time.
Mathematics equipment is accessible to children so they can easily and joyfully assimilate concepts, operations, and numerical relationships. Children do not sit down and memorize abstract facts, but rather discover they know them when they apply math concepts to real life situations. Children also investigate two and three dimensional shapes, measurements, graphs, time and money as aspects of mathematics.
Cultural Programs expand the children’s concepts of the world around them. Art in the pre-school environment strives to maintain the great joy the child finds in creating something personal. The children have the freedom to explore their imaginations in a variety of mediums used for expression. The importance of the process is stressed, though projects are often integrated into all other curriculum areas for Extended Day children. Cooking and Nutrition projects help children learn about food groups and what their bodies need to be healthy in addition to measuring and counting concepts.
Every November we celebrate Cultural Day where each classroom concentrates on one specific country. During the month they learn new songs, vocabulary, projects, traditions and the culture of the country. On our final day, before Fall Break, we invite all of the families out to have a cultural feast based upon the country they studied. The families, students and staff have a great time enjoying delicious foods, hearing their children sing new songs and games.
Geography, History, and Economics help children learn about other people, places, times, animals, and basic needs and to appreciate their own place in the world. The children learn about the continents, traditions, cultures, oceans and a special tribute on Western Day in January to their home state of Texas.
In Science and Nature activities, the children’s natural curiosity is stimulated through discovery projects and experiments, helping them draw their own conclusions. The plant and animal kingdoms are explored to foster an appreciation for all living things and the uniqueness of all creation. Our school works with local Master Gardeners who help us learn, create, plant and harvest our gardens.