How we see Aurora Montessori School
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How Aurora Montessori School sees itself
"AMS has a reputable 30+ year history in Aurora. Educating students from 18 months to Grade 8, AMS nurtures the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively, on 14 acres with an amphitheatre, outdoor classroom, sports fields, and a wealth of green space! Friendly and nurturing staff instill a love for learning the Montessori way. Specialty classes in Elementary include Phys Ed, Technology, Visual Arts, Music, Mindfulness and French. A warm and family-focused atmosphere sets AMS apart!"
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How people from the school’s community see Aurora Montessori School
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Kane Burg, Principal
I can recollect the countless opportunities when I have been asked about “the Montessori Method” and what puts our educational merits apart from any other. It’s a dangerous thing to ask such open-ended questions with a subject so close to my heart. It allows me to speak at length about the wonders and beauties of the Montessori philosophy that I have loved all my life.
All genial classrooms share at least five characteristics that guide their instruction regardless of the content or grade level. These characteristics are freedom of choice, open-ended exploration, freedom from judgement, honouring every student’s experience and belief in every student’s genius.
At AMS, our bright “genial” classrooms, our prepared environments, our beautifully organized and displayed Montessori materials are combined with highly skilled teaching teams that lovingly nurture and guide our students to be geniuses in their own right. Genius is not solely measured by the IQ (a high score on an intelligence test, the virtuosity of an attained skill or the expertise of specific theories or practices), but also through curiosity, playfulness, imagination, wisdom, inventiveness, vitality, respectfulness, flexibility and joy, just to name a few.
We inspire genius and lifelong learners by endeavouring always to keep burning within them that light which is called intelligence, never to be extinguished. There are no limitations in the quality and quantity of knowledge in all aspects that each of our children can learn. Our geniuses thrive in every, and any, way imaginable.
What you see here is only a snippet of AMS. We encourage you to continue to peruse our website and contact the school, regardless of your interest in enrolment. We will answer any questions you may have about our school or the Montessori Method. If you’d like a guided tour of our facilities and classrooms please call and arrange an appointment. We would be delighted to provide you with a glimpse into the dynamic, safe, and loving environment that is Aurora Montessori School.
We look forward to meeting your family and working together to awaken your child’s genius to its fullest potential.
With warmest regards,
Kane Burg
Principal
Most big schools provide your extroverted child with plenty of social opportunities and the ability to interact with different peer groups with a wide range of personalities, interests, values, etc. A larger student population and more extracurriculars—including activities like team sports, arts programs, and debate—will give them a broader scope of opportunities to participate in events that scratch their interpersonal itch. “This may also give them the opportunity to hone certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students.”
If you’re considering a Montessori school for your extroverted child, make sure to look into the amount of unstructured social time it provides. Some Montessori schools don’t have recess, and may limit free time, which is often when kids get their most stimulation. While kids spend plenty of time interacting in a Montessori classroom, a very outgoing child might find the lack of unstructured time less invigorating. Note: The more “orthodox” the Montessori environment, the more it tends to limit recess and unstructured social time.
Make sure any prospective school, no matter what size, provides the right social environment to help your child feel at home, make friends, and develop confidence. This is especially important at big schools, which are sometimes more socially overwhelming and challenging for an introvert to find their bearings in. Of course, “Because larger schools usually have a more diverse student population, introverted kids are more likely to find a small group of people like them, a peer group they can relate to and find acceptance from,” says Dona Matthews, Toronto-based education consultant and co-author (with Joanne Foster) of Beyond Intelligence.
Bigger schools often have a broader scope of extracurricular activities, which is another way to help your child meet the right group of friends. “This may also give them the opportunity to develop certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students. Remember, though, each child is different—so what works for one may not work for another.”
At a Montessori school, your introverted child will often work independently on their own tasks, e.g., during two-hour-plus uninterrupted work periods, which can boost their focus and concentration. They’ll also often work in small groups with kids of different ages, where they’ll learn from and mentor their peers, which can help them come out of their shell, be more assertive, and learn critical social skills. Ask how much, if any, unstructured social time is provided, since this varies between Montessori schools.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Aurora Montessori School
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