At Ferndale Montessori, we have a wide range of Programs for Children from Toddler to Kindergarten
FERNDALE MONTESSORI TODDLER PROGRAM
18 months to 3 years
The Toddler program is one of the original classes for children of this age in Michigan. Our plan for Toddlers is to help them develop a beginning sense of independence, a sense of order, and a comfortable relationship with their peers and teachers. The “work” for the toddler child is learning independence and autonomy. Socially and emotionally, these children are strengthening communication skills and learning to understand feelings.
The adult-child ratio in the Toddler class is one adult for every four children. Teachers model positive behavior for the children; for example, how to be kind and gentle to others and how to express feelings in an appropriate manner. Children at this age are learning to understand limits and rules. This environment provides opportunities for the children to learn how to care for themselves, the classroom, and others.
The classroom for Toddlers is limited to 12 children at any given time. The classroom environment is designed on a very small scale so that everything is in easy reach. The classroom belongs to the children and they learn to care for the living things in it!
Toilet Training
- This is not a requirement, but is encouraged during the child's time in the Toddler program.
- The parents and staff can observe the child for signs of readiness and work together to help the child learn this important milestone of independence.
FERNDALE MONTESSORI PRE-PRIMARY PROGRAM
3 years to 6 years
The Montessori Pre-Primary classroom is made up of four main areas where the children are encouraged to work independently: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language and Mathematics.
When the child enters this level, they will stay with the same teacher for 3 years. The first two years are considered preschool and the third year can be considered kindergarten.
Many of the materials in the classroom were originally designed by Maria Montessori and a large quantity are hand made by the teachers. All have a built-in control of error. This frees the child of the teacher and allows the child to correct him/her self, which gives the child a more independent feeling toward learning.
In a Montessori classroom, a child is given the opportunity of free choice so that they can feel the excitement of learning by choosing the activity that calls to them, rather than following a set plan. The classroom changes to suit the needs of the children. A child’s skills for learning; such as order, independence, concentration, and coordination are practiced by using the wide range of Montessori materials. When children are able to work in this way, they more than prepare themselves for future learning situations. In addition, children become responsible for their own learning, which is a key to success later in school.
The adult/child ratio in the Pre-Primary is at least one adult to ten children.
FERNDALE MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
5 years to 6 years
THE EXCITING THIRD YEAR
The third or final year of the Pre-Primary classroom is commonly known as the Kindergarten year. All of the classroom work, lessons, and academic achievements throughout the first two years come together during that final year to provide the groundwork for some amazing academic and social accomplishments. Leadership skills emerge during the third year at Ferndale Montessori Center, and a high level of confidence in their own ability to solve problems, both academically and socially, become a part of the child’s personal repertoire.
ACADEMIC SPECIFICS: “Kindergarten” year at FMC
Third year Pre-Primary students continue with high level Math that includes time, money, measurements, and fractions. The children may explore the four functions of numbers; such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In addition to continuing with their reading work in the Language Area, sight words are added, formal writing lessons begin, story writing and creative writing are possible, and grammar is introduced. Geography is continued, with related activities in Social Studies. In the Science curriculum, Life Science and Physical Science provide additional interesting avenues for exploration.
During the third year at Ferndale Montessori Center, the children take pride in accomplishing large projects. Their confidence and love of learning is the fuel that propels them through the vast quantity of Montessori materials. This mind set stays with the children in years to come, and sets them apart from others in future learning situations.
FERNDALE MONTESSORI SUMMER PROGRAM
The school year for Ferndale Montessori Center begins after Labor Day and ends the third week in June.
Our Center offers a Summer Program for six weeks from early July to mid-August.
For the pre-primary student, this opportunity is open for currently enrolled students. The atmosphere is similar to camp. There are activities with arts, crafts, food experiences, water work, and lots of imaginary play. The staff designs themes that last for two weeks at a time. There is an option for children to join us for one, two, or all three sessions.
The summer program for the toddler aged child looks similar to the school year curriculum. The teaching team is the same as the school year. Consistency is the highest priority for the child in the state of development. Toddler children can begin their time with us in the summer or fall.
First priority is given to those students who enroll for the entire six weeks.