Parent/Child classes are an opportunity for the child (ages newborn through 3) and the parent or caregiver to experience time together in a prepared Montessori classroom environment. Materials are geared to the infant and toddler age. The teacher acts as the facilitator of learning and play and provides information and readings to help the adult experience
and understand the child's growth and development - including social
interactions. The classes are based on the Montessori approach to learning
-focusing on observation of the child, successful learning experiences of
exploration, and basic skills. The method lets the child have meaningful
experiences in a prepared environment guided by a Montessori-trained
teacher.
In our Parent/Child classes the goal of the teacher is not to work directly
with the child in the presence of the parents, but to work with your child
through the parent. When the individual tasks are given, the teacher will be
presenting materials, setting the goals and demonstrating the results that
she wants to achieve through the selected activity. Then you as a parent work independently with your child under the teacher’s
guidance. Over time the objective for the child is to work
independently under his/her parent’s guidance. The parent should be always next to the child and should be working together with their child.
Teachers work and educate parents how to properly work and teach their
child. During the group lessons parent should be performing the same
activity as his/her child or help the child to do the activity demonstrated by
the teacher. Mother/father should act as helper, mentor and be a source of
inspiration to fuel their child with positive emotions and encouragement to
work with materials or accomplish the activity demonstrated by teacher.
Classes are held in the main building at Joliet Montessori School. The room
is equipped with learning materials and furniture appropriate to this age
group. There is also an adult lending library with articles and books. The
same parent or caregiver should attend class with each child for the entire
session to receive the greatest benefit for the child and adult.
Sometime between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, your child’s language skills and self-expression will develop rapidly; he will express a growing confidence in independence and a keen interest in broader concepts; he will want to know what lies ahead, outside of the Toddler Classroom. At this point, he is ready to move up to the
Primary Program, for children from the ages of 3 to 6.
No educational environment could ever come close to providing my daughter the confidence to learn in the same way JMS has! We came to JMS for the traditional approach to Montessori after reviewing many local preschools, but we stay for the sense of community, nurturing environment that has given our daughter so much confidence to learn, and absolutely amazing staff.
I couldn’t imagine a better experience for our daughter as she starts in her educational journey than what we have experienced at JMS. Watching her grow and become a articulate and confident little learner has been so special.
My daughter started her educational journey at 18 months in the parent toddler program at JMS and is now in her second year in the 3-6 year old primary classroom. Watching her grow and develop at each stage has been amazing over the last three years.
- Heather
Fax (815) 741-9753
Fax (815) 741-9753
Joliet Montessori School
Joliet Montessori School