Montessori materials are not only beautiful and inviting, but ingenious. They teach only 1 skill at a time to allow the child to work independently and master the intended concept. The materials are also “self-correcting.” This means the child is able to identify if they have done an activity accurately and try again without intervention from a teacher. For example, if a large block is stacked atop a tower of shorter blocks, the tower will fall down. Working with self-correcting materials helps children develop confidence and self-sufficiency and promotes critical thinking. In a sense, they become their own teachers—a skill that will last for life.
The greatest cry of the child at this age is “help me help myself.” These self-correcting materials allow the children to creatively explore a particular, isolated concept, but also builds their confidence and independence to be able to help themselves, to be more confidence learners.
St. Mary School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Inspired by our Mother Mary, and rooted in our Catholic faith, the St. Mary community nurtures spiritual growth, academic excellence, a responsibility to self, and service to others.