Montessori
N.J. Macpherson School offers a Public Montessori Program which includes the following classes:
- Primary Montessori (kindergarten) – Ms. Mary Jane Henry
- Lower Elementary Montessori (ages 6-9) – Ms. Raegan Delisle
- Upper Elementary Montessori (ages 9-12) – Mr. Michael Murray
The program is a result of the partnership which began in 2004 between Yellowknife Education District No. 1 and the N.W.T. Montessori Society/Yellowknife Montessori School. The Public Montessori Program has proven popular with growth in enrollment each year.
Also at NJ, there is a Casa Classroom (pre-school) and an after-school program which are both run by the Montessori Society.
The Montessori Program is based on the teaching philosphy of Maria Montessori. She believed that children possess a unique sensitivity and intellectual ability, allowing them to absorb and learn from the environment. The Montessori classroom is a “prepared environment where the child is free to discover, learn, and understand concepts that develop the lifelong learner.” The materials, scientifically developed by Montessori, are arranged by subject on child-size shelves and invite the child to interact with them. Through this interaction with the materials children are able to reach their intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical potential.
Areas of Learning:
Practical Life
Through practical life exercises, children learn to care for themselves, one another, and their environment. They help develop concentration, coordination, and independence.
Sensorial
Materials in the sensorial area allow the child to analyze and explore. This helps them broaden and refine sense perceptions.
Math
Math materials and manipulatives allow for concrete experience with number concepts. The children are introduced to the quantity 1-10 and progressively 1-1000.
Language
Language exercises nourish the child’s vocabulary, enhance self-expression, and develop a foundation for reading, writing, and listening skills.
Cultural
Science, History, Geography, Art, and Music introduce the child to the world and the living things within it.
Enrichment
The curriculum also includes programming in languages and physical education.
The Public Montessori classes at NJ Macpherson School take part in all school events and activities. They attend Core French, Physical Education, and Music classes. They also take part in the Fine Arts Program. Public Montessori is the best of both worlds!