The Quintessence of Our Classroom

Cayuga Heights Montessori House is modeled after the original Casa Dei Bambini, established by Maria Montessori in Rome in 1907. The entire environment belongs to the children, and is meticulously prepared to meet all of their needs and facilitate complete independence. The care of our "children’s" house is the responsibility of the children. With diligence and pride, they clean, sweep, polish, and tend to plant and animal life. Work is carefully put away when finished, chairs are pushed into tables, and work rugs are carefully rolled up into perfect cylinders.

Like all traditional Montessori classrooms, our rooms are uncluttered and beautiful, with freshly cut flowers (arranged by the children), child size furniture and adorned with a diversity of Art from around the world, and by the Masters and the children themselves. Snack is prepared and served by the children and enjoyed over a tablecloth, with fresh flowers and real glasses and china. Grace and courtesy is encouraged, with the children gently reminding each other to be kind and respectful, and the older children modeling behavior for their younger friends. The children are guided to solve conflicts by themselves, often fetching the Peace Stone from our Peace Area to help them to communicate effectively and respectfully. A natural flow and rhythm is encouraged throughout the day, rather than a rigid "schedule".

The "quintessence" of our classroom is warm, nurturing and welcoming – truly a "house" for the children. With our large child-height windows, there is a seamless connection to the outside, and the eyes of the children are naturally drawn to the unfolding tableau outside. The gentle passage of the seasons is intimately felt as the children observe changes in the weather, the spontaneous appearance of wildlife, or simply gaze up at the floating clouds. Our outdoor play area (with its absence of the typical large structure, is specifically designed to have a "backyard" feel. It encourages gamboling, tumbling, chasing, and exploration of nature and wildlife. The children help to plant, weed, make daisy and dandelion chains, rake, shovel and build castles out of pinecones! In clement weather, the children are outside for a large time of the day, often bringing their work outside, or reading a book under the shade of our beautiful crabapple tree.

Freedom of choice is one of the key tenets of the Montessori philosophy. It is in such a climate that the most powerful, joy-filled and sustained learning occurs. In our classroom, the children are free to choose their work, to choose whether to work alone or with others, or to work at a table or on the floor. The only limitations are that they choose an activity that has been presented to them, and that they respect the rights of others, and use the materials responsibly. Snack (prepared and served by the children) is available throughout the day, and the children may choose to eat with a friend or alone.

The uninterrupted three-hour work period is an integral part of the child's day, and is the true hallmark of a traditional Montessori classroom. With the freedom to choose their activities, repeat them as often as desired, and spend as much time as they need on an activity, the children achieve great levels of concentration. The teachers observe the children’s activities, and offer presentations (lessons on the materials),  throughout the morning. Group meetings, where all of the children come together to participate in an activity, or to enjoy a lesson together, occur naturally during this time. The children are free to join the group, or to continue with their work. During such meetings we may enjoy French, yoga, food tasting, singing, Art, music appreciation, movement or dance, storytelling or reading. With the absence of an artificially imposed schedule with its attendant interruptions and mandatory participation, the children are free to commit themselves completely to long periods of concentration, which facilitates the creation of their intellect.

This natural flow to the day, free of adult imposed "periods," provides the nurturing and respectful environment for the children to flourish. Without interruption, children naturally find their personal rhythm for the day. This reveals itself in the peaceful, cooperative community that is a trademark of a lovingly prepared and well-tended Montessori environment.