small groups & big discussions

When instruction happens, it is usually in small groups. After careful observation and record keeping, a teacher will call together a small group for a needed lesson. The teacher encourages interesting discussion among students to deepen their understanding as they use mind maps or manipulative tools. After a lesson, each child has many times to practice a skill or further explore an area individually or with partners.

Children have choices, there’s no one-size-fits all curriculum. Students are encouraged to be curious; they are engaged and love learning. Most instruction happens in small groups: teachers observe students and bring together children who are ready for a particular lesson. After a lesson, each child has time to practice a skill or further explore an area, either alone or with freely chosen partners. ​

In the Montessori classroom, the child works to satisfy his own curiosity and inner need for accomplishment. The child’s natural learning pace is honored, allowing the child to be successful at every lesson. The child gains genuine inner confidence through his own achievements.

Montessori Discovery learning

At Starry Garden Montessori Elementary School, the children are actively engaged in project-based learning. Through inquiry based discovery, they are self-motivated to reach answers for the questions they have developed in their desire to learn and understand.In Montessori classrooms, the child learns through hands-on projects and self-motivated, active discovery.Because they have such an active part in their learning process, they are never bored and love learning.

At Starry Garden Montessori School, each child is allowed to move forward at their own pace. Children often move ahead of their grade level because working with hands-on tools and deep discussions increases understanding rapidly. At the same time, a child who struggles can get the extra support he needs, without suffering the negative effect on his self-esteem that comes from needing remedial work in a traditional elementary school setting.

”In a Montessori classroom, an advanced student will be challenged to perform at his best: it’s not unusual for a 3rd grade Montessori student to tackle what would typically be considered 5th grade math, for example. At the same time, a child who struggles can get the extra support he needs, without suffering the negative effect on his self-esteem that comes from needing remedial work in a traditional elementary school setting.