Big Blue Marble Montessori School

From the Director:

The young child has an incredibly absorbent mind. They like to have choices. They appreciate beauty and are attracted to beautiful things. Active learners, they need to move. Growth is rapid and erratic. A Montessori classroom is very carefully prepared to address these qualities and needs, using a method that has been practiced around the world for more than a hundred years.

A Montessori teacher is trained to offer instruction individually; occasionally in small groups. Observation guides the pace and choice of lessons offered. There is no "ahead" or "behind." We work wherever each child is, developmentally.

Most schools don’t start teaching until a child reaches the age of five. Pre-k programs tend to be play school with dress up, pretend kitchens, toys and art. The young child is capable of much more.

Big Blue Marble Montessori School offers an academic alternative, setting younger children on a lifelong path to learning. Children begin to view learning and lessons as fun and exciting, not rigid and boring. Education IS play, presented correctly to the young child.

We offer the highest caliber program available for early childhood education in Talbot County, and are licensed and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Upon arrival, the class gathers as a group, then is released to work singularly or in small groups. Instruction is individualized. As lessons accumulate, students are guided to work in:

• skills for self-care & daily living
• using senses to distinguish shapes, sounds,
gradients of color, & units of measurement
• language development & reading
• mathematics & geometry
• geography & cultural studies
• science, botany & zoology
• art & art appreciation
• music & music appreciation

Snack and outdoor play is mid-morning. Some children depart at noon, others stay for lunch, recess and an afternoon session that includes a nap.

Parents are welcome to observe in the classroom. Conferences are held in October and March. Parent education is available and we encourage activities to bridge home and school to foster learning skills.

Visits to school by the child and/or teacher home visits before school starts can reduce anxiety so school is a familiar place. We encourage a "kiss and go" to preclude a long, drawn out, painful goodbye. Engaging a child in conversation, a song or a story can help. Some children need to be held. Sometimes another child helps. Each situation is different.