Why Imagine?
What is Montessori and why should you consider Imagine for your child's education?
Because Montessori is a child-centred pedagogy: we respect each one’s individuality, meeting their specific needs, characteristics and interests.
Montessori education has 5 key components that makes it different from a traditional education.
1. Montessori materials, the prepared environment
Our classrooms are the first teaching materials because children can find everything that they need for their development, learning and self-construction process in them. The classrooms are laid out in such a way that they are accessible for children, we use child-size furniture, so they can access their work on their ownwhenever they need it.
A characteristic of Montessori pedagogy is the practical approach to learning and the use of specially designed teaching materials. Each of these teaching materials are beautifully and precisely crafted and have a purpose to teach a unique skill or concept. Materials follow a logical and developmentally appropriate progression that allows the child to develop an abstract understanding of a concept.
2. Mixed-age classrooms
There are many educationally positive aspects and advantages of mixed-age classrooms: when children of different ages are together in the same educational space they prioritize ¨sharing instead of competing¨. A mixed-age space allows for mutual admiration, fostering the idea of the older children using their knowledge to help their ¨younger brothers and sisters¨ in a natural way, along with the ideas of fraternity, respect, friendliness and aiding the development of the younger learners. At the same time, the older ones when teaching reinforce and establish the knowledge acquired while building their self-esteem.
3. Montessori trained profesionals
The adult is a guide who accompanies the process, following the sensitive periods.
Our Guides are aware about the responsibility behind education and they are committed to be an aid to children’s development.
Teachers are committed to getting to know each child, discovering their potential and lovingly guiding them so that they are capable of giving their best.
Guides are highly trained professionals who are accredited to teach under the Montessori Pedagogy.
Our teachers are the first role models for our children, that’s why they are lifelong learners too, eager to learn for their personal and professional development.
4. Uninterrupted work cycle
We offer a work cycle of three uninterrupted hours where there is no specific schedule for each subject.
During this time, children receive Montessori lessons in which the British curriculum is integrated. Guides present each topic or material individually or in small groups.
Students work in all the Learning Areas during this work cycle.
Once the Guides have presented a material or exercise to the children, they can organize their work routine independently, choosing what they want to work on.
The Guides promote this independent work routine dynamic to ensure the holistic formation of the students.
5. Freedom of choice
Montessori education helps children choose work that is meaningful and challenging enough that engages their interest, leading to self motivation, sustained focus, and a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others. This child-focused work is supported by the design and flow of the Montessori environment, which was created to awaken each child’s curiosity and provide the opportunity to work in quiet and open spaces, either individually or with their peers. In a Montessori environment, children are free to move and explore. Teachers guide children and keep them on the learning path, and ensure that the classroom environment is respectful, orderly, and productive.
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