MONTESSORI
& OUR STORY
Our Start
In 1975, Rae Christiansen and Doris Kucinski established Golden Mountain Montessori in the heart of the Ivywild neighborhood. Driven by an unwavering dedication to empowering children and supporting families, they transformed a quaint building on W. Brookside St. into a space tailored to young learners. With a focus on Montessori principles, the center was designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating educational experience, offering a unique approach to early childhood education.
​
For over four decades, Golden Mountain has been a pillar of the community, providing an enriching environment where countless children like yours have thrived and grown. Today, our dedicated certified teachers, known as Golden Guides, carry on this tradition by fostering a creative and engaging atmosphere where each child's unique potential can flourish. We understand the balancing act of work and family life, and we're here to support your child's educational journey, just as Rae envisioned when she first opened our doors.
The Montessori Method:
A Parent's Guide
If you've heard about Montessori education, you might wonder how it works and what it could mean for your child's learning and development. Here's a quick and clear explanation to help you understand why many parents choose this approach.
Maria Montessori
The Visionary Behind the Montessori Method
Child-Centered Learning
At the heart of the Montessori Method is the belief that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Montessori classrooms are designed to encourage this natural curiosity. Instead of a teacher standing at the front of the room telling students what to do, children are given the freedom to choose their activities from a range of options. This allows them to explore and learn at their own pace, fostering a sense of independence and self-motivation.
Learning Through Exploration
Montessori classrooms are filled with hands-on materials that invite children to touch, explore, and learn. These materials are carefully designed to teach specific concepts, like math, language, and science, but in a way that feels like play. For example, instead of memorizing numbers, children might use wooden blocks to understand counting and arithmetic in a more tangible way. This approach helps them understand the "why" behind the concepts, not just the "what."
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Another unique aspect of Montessori is the mixed-age classroom. Children of different ages learn together, which creates a sense of community and allows older children to mentor and help the younger ones. This arrangement mirrors real life, where people of different ages work and live together. It also helps build social skills and teaches children to be compassionate and respectful of others.
The Role of the Teacher
In Montessori education, teachers are guides, and at Golden Mountain, we call them Golden Guides. We chose this name because we highly value their efforts in guiding young learners, recognizing that their role is crucial in shaping each child's development. Our Golden Guides understand how precious their opportunity is to teach your children, and they approach this responsibility with a sense of honor and dedication. Their role involves observing, supporting, and gently steering children toward learning experiences that align with their interests and developmental stages. They don't give grades or use standardized tests, preferring to focus on individual progress and nurturing each child's unique potential. This approach reduces competition and stress, creating a joyful learning environment.
A Holistic Approach to Education
The Montessori Method isn't just about academics; it also emphasizes social, emotional, and physical development. Children learn practical life skills, like preparing snacks, cleaning up, and caring for plants. They also engage in activities that promote creativity and imagination, like art, music, and storytelling. This holistic approach helps children develop into well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the future.
Is Montessori Right for Your Child?
Choosing the right educational approach is a big decision, and Montessori might not be for everyone. However, if you value independence, creativity, and a supportive community, Montessori could be a great fit for your family. If you're interested in learning more, consider requesting a tour at one of our Montessori schools to see the method in action. It could be the start of a wonderful journey for your child!
