FAQs

How do you ensure students receive a well-rounded education?

Montessori classrooms are divided into four categories: practical life, sensorial, math, and language. Science, cultural lessons, and geography are incorporated into these areas .

The choices our children receive are always within appropriate boundaries and limits. Children are given as much freedom as they can handle responsibly. Mrs. Elledge ensures that each child is progressing at an appropriate pace in all subject areas.

What does freedom within limits mean?

Offering an environment of freedom does not imply that children are allowed to do whatever they want. This would only result in chaos, not a functional environment. To exist in an atmosphere of freedom means that clear boundaries must be present to ensure that everyone can exist harmoniously. Therefore, limits actually serve as the guardians of freedom and establish the possibility of choice.

Why does Montessori have multi-age classrooms?

Mixed age groupings benefit both the younger child who is new to the environment, and the older child who has been there for a year or two. The younger children are given the gift of peer role models to look up to. The older children are granted many opportunities to mentor, develop empathy, and become leaders.

Curriculum in a classroom of mixed age children offers a naturally differentiated environment because the materials are offered at various levels. For example, a student who is ready to do advanced math lessons will have immediate access to those materials as well as a teacher who is trained to present them— regardless of the child’s age. If a student is in need of extra assistance, she or he is given lessons that isolate foundational skills and build confidence.

We also see less competition in mixed age classrooms because the children have different needs and goals as they progress through the program.

Can I enroll my child if he or she speaks a different language at home?

Yes. Children have an innate ability to pick up multiple languages before the age of six. All instruction at Little Lantanas Montessori is in English, therefore we encourage families to consistently speak the home language(s) with their child. Currently, we do not have access to reliable translation services; however, parents are welcomed to bring a translator or family member to assist with parent / teacher communication.

Do you accept children with exceptionalities?

Yes. Dr. Montessori developed her pedagogy while she was working with children who had disabilities. Therefore, many of our lessons have built in differentiation and sensory supports. Mrs. Elledge is also a certified Special Education teacher.

Our goal at Little Lantanas Montessori is to provide an optimal environment that supports each child’s growth. Although we can’t guarantee that our environment will work for every student, Montessori pedagogy advocates for individualized instruction that supports the whole child. Please contact us with further questions regarding your child’s exceptionality so that we may assist you.

How is my child’s progress documented?

Mrs. Elledge uses a variety of observation techniques to ensure that each student correctly progresses through the materials at an appropriate pace. Throughout the three year cycle, meticulous records are kept regarding which lessons are mastered and which lessons the child is progressing toward.

How is movement a vital component of a Montessori classroom?

In the Montessori Environment children are not assigned a specific chair or desk. Instead, there is freedom in where they choose to work. Perhaps a rug, floor table, seated table, or standing up.

One of the most important goals for the young child is to refine their fine and gross motor skills. Therefore, movement is incorporated within every work selection available. Dr. Montessori believed that movement leads to greater cognitive understanding when mental and physical knowledge are utilized simultaneously.

Why is cursive taught instead of print?

Montessori pedagogy came out of Dr. Montessori’s direct observation of the child. She noticed that cursive handwriting utilizes natural circular movements that the child produces innately. We often see this the first time they are given a writing instrument.

Cursive is also less confusing for the young child because the letters are much harder to reverse when compared to print. (Try to write a cursive “s” backwards. It’s no easy task!) Therefore, Montessori children rarely have letter reversals that need to be corrected in the elementary grades. In addition, cursive utilizes the right and left brain simultaneously due to the interconnectedness of fluid movements. We also find that most children have a seamless transition from cursive to print when they are exposed to both from an early age.

The use of cursive in the Primary environment is a prominent difference between AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) and AMS (American Montessori Society) instruction.

How much screen time is okay for my child?

Limit the use of screen time as much as possible. Do your best to come up with alternatives that are easy for your child to access independently: Legos, blocks, books, crayons, etc. Try bringing an activity bag to public places instead of relying solely on a smart phone or tablet. Research shows that extended amounts of time in front of screens inhibits brain development as it pertains to reasoning, critical thinking, creativity, and focus. To learn more, please refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics website. American Academy of Pediatrics

If the screen is a necessity — sometimes it is — choose shows that are based in reality. For example, nature movies, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, Molly of Denali, Caillou, etc. Do your best to limit cartoons (and books) that incorporate talking animals and make believe themes until the age of six. Our ultimate goal, in the Primary Montessori environment, is to give young children a strong foundation in reality before introducing fantasy.

How is discipline handled in a Montessori classroom?

Since our goal for the young child is to develop an intrinsic motivation for learning, we do not bribe them with tangible items. Instead, Montessori teachers utilize natural and logical consequences. For instance, if a child mishandles a material, they may lose the right to work with that material and will try again at another time.

By maintaining consistent developmentally appropriate expectations, we fulfill the child’s inner need for security and predictability that allows them thrive in an independent environment.

Can I observe my child at school?

All parents and guardians are encouraged to observe their child at least once a year. Observations are scheduled on an individual basis after Thanksgiving break. When your child is ready, Mrs. Elledge will contact you to arrange an observation time and communicate observation guidelines. All observations are scheduled in 30 minute increments.

Is Little Lantanas Montessori DES approved?

Yes, we are approved to accept payments from DES.

Why does my child have a different start date?

At Little Lantanas, we utilize staggered start dates to ensure that new students feel as comfortable and secure as possible during their first transition from home to school. Parents and guardians may request a specific start date if multiple spots are available. Tuition will be prorated if your child’s start date is two or more weeks after the first day of the enrolled month.

Does Little Lantanas Montessori have a dress code?

Please ensure that your child comes to school in comfortable clothes that allow them to move freely. Please refrain from distracting items like light up shoes, cartoon characters, and restrictive clothing. All children must wear closed toe shoes to protect their feet because they will be handling breakable materials like glass and ceramic in the classroom. We do require two pairs of shoes: one for inside the classroom and one for outdoor play.

Do I need to send a lunch to school?

Yes. Please send your child will a healthy lunch each day. Unhealthy food such as chips, cookies, candy, and sugary drinks are not allowed to ensure that we model healthy eating habits. We are also a nut free school, so no peanut butter or tree nuts. (Sunflower butter is an excellent substitute for peanut butter.) Seeds such as pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are allowed.

Since we have limited storage space in the refrigerator, be sure to include an ice pack inside their lunch box and pack only ready to eat foods that do not need to be heated.

You do not need to pack a snack or water bottle. We will provide your child with a personal water glass and a healthy morning snack. If your child attends aftercare, an additional snack will be provided.

Do you celebrate birthdays in the classroom?

In the Montessori Environment, birthday parties are left for the home. However, we do incorporate a small Celebration of Life that lasts 10-15 minutes. Providing a healthy snack for the class on the day of your child’s celebration is optional. Some examples include: fruit trays, vegetable trays, muffins without frosting, trail mix, etc. Absolutely no cupcakes, cakes, candy, chips, cookies, or anything with frosting and a high sugar content are allowed. Mrs. Elledge will contact you to schedule a time for your child’s Celebration of Life and answer any questions you may have.

How can I help?

The Montessori environment is designed for the young child to move freely and independently. Extra adults in the room disrupt the balance of the classroom. Therefore, volunteers are rarely utilized during the work cycles. If you are willing to assist in material making at home or chaperoning an afternoon outing, please let Mrs. Elledge know.

How does pick up and drop off work?

Drop off is between 8:15 and 8:25. The academic day starts promptly at 8:30. If you are driving your child, please enter the ally to the west from Portland St. and pull through the parking lot to the south gate. An adult will be ready to assist your child in getting out of the car. All vehicles will exit the parking lot through 3rd St.

Dismissal is from 3:00 to 3:10, and will follow the same procedure. If you prefer to park your car, it may require a short walk since parking is limited at the church.