Why Early Childcare Matters?

A recent research project left me a bit stunned and even more motivated to discuss the importance of Early Childhood Education. For some reason, our local area has and continues to leave education less than fulfilled. Unfortunately, the idea of Early Childhood Education is pushed even farther into the shadows. The question must be raised as to “Why is this happening”? The answer is simple… we are viewing Early Childcare as daycare, a place to let children play. When in fact we should be instilling values of “school” and incorporating the fun in learning. This is how we pave the way for positive views and in turn positive achievements when children reach primary schooling age.

I encourage you to take a closer look at the importance of quality schooling in the preschool years. Never judge a book by its cover, get out there and ask questions. This creates a positive image with communication to children and it really starts important discussions about what is available to get children started off on the right foot.

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October!

Who can believe we are moving our way into October?! We enjoyed an absolutely perfect start to the month with 65 degree weather. In the spirit of fall, Halloween, and Dia de Muertos we are exploring pumpkins. Later this month we will dive into a couple of lessons about the holidays celebrated at the end of the month. Happy October from North Pole Montessori!!!

Peace Day

A big thank you to those who joined in our Day of Peace celebration! We had a great time reading, socializing, and received a warm welcome to our new peace room. We hope everyone finds their peace roses as a welcome addition to their own homes!

This Friday, September 21st is the International Day of Peace! Maria Montessori established an important aspect of her curriculum to incorporate peace in three different stages. We would like to take the time to discuss and celebrate the topic. We will be holding a storytime with crafts and discussing the peace pledge. We welcome all ages to join 10:30-11:30am. Further details are available on our Facebook page.  See you on Friday!

Fundraising Effort

We are off to a great start and are really having so much fun getting to know one another and the environment. The list of materials I’m wanting to provide for my students is always growing as any teacher knows. I thought I’d try a different approach to fundraising. Below is a link to apparel. All profits will be used to purchase materials and any additional funds will be used towards Thanksgiving baskets the program will prepare for those in need this holiday season. Your support is greatly appreciated and I might add you will all look great at the same time!

The most sincere Thank You from North Pole Montessori!

https://www.bonfire.com/supporting-early-childhood-education-in-ak/

The First Week!

We are quickly approaching the conclusion of our first week and I am so proud to acknowledge the success it has been. We have worked in creating lessons, spent plenty of time outside, and learned a great deal about each other. We look forward to the future as we work to build our community and spread the word of the importance of Early Childhood Education and our passion for the Montessori Method. We are planning an open house within the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for dates and times. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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What a summer day looks like…

One of my favorite aspects of the Montessori curriculum is it’s association to real life learning and tasks. In Alaska, we often only experience a couple amazing summer months. This means learning can be done outside of the traditional classroom where children have the chance at a bit more freedom and can soak up the essential vitamin D offered by the sun.

Today we spent the afternoon working on reading and numbers along with hand eye coordination with the use of screws/screwdrivers and the important pincer grip that segways to holding a pencil correctly. We did all of this building a chicken coop! We worked with sharing in the social development category by taking turns watering plants in the garden.

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The events are exciting for children and adults alike. We all get the chance to learn, bond, and grow. Best of all the children would not be likely to say they “did nothing” when asked about their day at school.

Learning for Life!

North Pole Montessori

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Mission

North Pole Montessori School’s mission is to provide an environment which is both safe and enjoyable for children in their early learning years.

Philosophy

Through the community built within North Pole Montessori School, we strive to provide a fun and safe environment using the Montessori Method and materials to support our educational philosophy. We encourage children to engage in an independent and self-paced exploration of the materials to build upon the child’s natural desire to learn. In doing so we are able to instill a love of learning which should travel well beyond the Preschool/Kindergarten/Lower & Upper Elementary years into the rest of a child’s educational journey.

The staff leads by example as they are trained in the educational necessity of meeting a child’s needs in the four categories of development; social, emotional, physical, and intellectual. This allows for the methodology and work of Maria Montessori in truly following the child as they explore and expand in their natural desire to learn. The staff is meant to work in the role of a guide rather than a teacher to better assist each child’s growth during their time in the program.