Why VDM?
What we offer...
Montessori Education
The primary goal of Montessori education is to fan the sparks of light which every child experiences as they learn, into a lifelong flame.
An authentic Montessori school is one where education is viewed not just as a means to an end, but as a preparation for life; where the method for learning comes, not from a curriculum, but from the natural development of your child; a place where creativity, innovation, and individuality are valued as much as concentration, motivation, and persistence; where your child is not just a student, but also a teacher.
Authentic Materials
Authentic Montessori materials are fundamental components of a Montessori classroom, embodying Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy. These meticulously designed materials serve as indispensable tools for fostering hands-on learning experiences and self-directed exploration among students. They’re not merely instructional aids but rather catalysts for the development of essential cognitive, sensory, and motor skills. The materials are carefully crafted to engage children’s innate curiosity and facilitate their natural inclination towards learning. By interacting with authentic Montessori materials, students engage in purposeful activities that promote concentration, independence, and problem-solving abilities, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and academic success. Moreover, these materials provide a tangible link to Montessori’s pedagogical principles, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the educational environment.
Mixed Age Groups
One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is that children of mixed ages work together in the same class. Age groupings are based on the Planes of Development as identified by Dr. Maria Montessori. Multi-age groupings enable younger children to learn from older children and experience new challenges through observation; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered, develop leadership skills, and serve as role models. Because each child’s work is individual, children progress at their own pace; there is cooperation rather than competition between the ages. This arrangement mirrors the real world, in which individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.
Uninterrupted Work Periods
Through years of observation around the world, Dr. Montessori came to understand that children, when left in freedom, displayed a distinct work cycle which was so predictable it could even be graphed. This cycle, with two peaks and one valley, lasted approximately three hours. In Montessori environments children have three hours of open, uninterrupted time to choose independent work, become deeply engaged, and repeat to their own satisfaction.
Prepared Environments
The Montessori classroom is an environment prepared by adults for children. It contains all the essentials for optimal development but nothing superfluous. Attributes of a prepared environment include order and reality, beauty and simplicity. Everything is child-sized to enhance the children’s independent functioning. A trained adult and a large enough group of children of mixed ages make up a vital part of the prepared environment.
Trained Teachers
The Montessori teacher is spiritually ready to act as a guide to the children under their care. They are calm, patient, respectful, and discerning of a child’s needs. The peace of the Montessori teacher is reflected in their students and in the classroom atmosphere. The Montessori teacher has a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. They are not only ready to teach a single subject, but instead, are more than capable of integrating math with reading or penmanship with social studies. The holistic approach to education leads to better understanding and stronger academic performance. The Montessori Teacher works hand in hand with the prepared environment. The classroom and the guide complete each other. The guide uses the classroom to support the detailed lessons given to the students and encourage them to dive deeper into mastery of important concepts.
