Guidepost Montessori at Lincoln Park Kindergarten
Choosing the right kindergarten for your child can be a daunting task. With so many great schools in the Chicago area, it can be hard to know where to start. Guidepost Montessori kindergartens are a great option for parents who want their children to have a strong educational foundation rooted in independence and activity.
We've compiled a list of everything you need to know about Guidepost Montessori kindergarten and answered some of your most frequently asked questions:
What is Montessori?
The Montessori Method is a child-centered approach to education that emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized attention. Children in Montessori classrooms are free to move around and choose their own activities, within certain limits set by the teacher.
The method has been shown to be effective in promoting academic achievement, social and emotional development, and creative thinking. It is used in schools all over the world, including public, private, and charter schools.
Who was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori Method of education. This method is based on the principle that children have a natural desire to learn. This educational approach emphasizes independence, self-direction, and collaboration among students.
What are the benefits of a Montessori program?
There are many benefits of a Montessori education.
Montessori kindergartens often have lower teacher-to-student ratios, which allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace.
They also emphasize hands-on learning experiences. Montessori children are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery.
What is a Montessori classroom environment like?
A Montessori classroom is a unique learning environment, typically designed to promote independence and hands-on learning. Materials and activities are often self-directed, allowing children to work at their own pace.
What is practical life in Montessori?
Practical life activities are an important part of the Montessori curriculum. They help children develop practical skills, such as how to care for themselves and their environment.
These activities also promote concentration, coordination, and independence.
Some practical life activities may include:
- Caring for plants
- Washing dishes
- Dusting
- Sweeping
- Mopping
- Setting the table
- Folding towels
- Making beds
- Putting away groceries
- Cooking simple meals
Some common features of Montessori classrooms include:
- Mixed age groups: In a Montessori classroom, children of different ages learn together. This helps promote social skills and allows older children to serve as mentors to younger students.
- Individualized learning: Because each child learns at his or her own pace, materials and activities
Benefits of mixed-age groups in a Montessori environment:
- Montessori mixed-age classrooms are based on the philosophy that children of different ages learn best together. This allows for a more natural learning environment, where younger children can learn from older children and vice versa.
- Additionally, mixed-age classrooms provide opportunities for social and emotional growth as children interact with peers of different ages. mixed-age Montessori has many benefits for both children and educators alike.
Other benefits of mixed-age Montessori classrooms include:
- Children learn at their own pace: In mixed-age classrooms, each child is allowed to work at his or her own pace. This means that if a child needs more time to master a certain skill or concept, he or she can take the time needed without feeling pressure from classmates or educators.
- Children learn from each other: One of the great advantages of mixed-age classrooms is that children have the opportunity to learn from each other. Younger children can look up to older children as role models, while older children can gain a sense of satisfaction from helping their younger peers.
- Classrooms are more like real life: In the real world, we are constantly interacting with people of different ages. Mixed-age classrooms provide an opportunity for children to practice these important social skills.
How do Montessori teachers meet the needs of learners at different levels?
Montessori teachers are trained to meet the needs of students at different levels. They use a variety of techniques to assess each child's abilities and adjust their instruction accordingly. This allows every child to progress at his or her own pace and reach his or her full potential.
Montessori teachers are also experts in creating differentiated curriculum, so that all students can access the material, regardless of their level.
Meet Our School Team
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Victoria Lingafelter
Sydney Lalmeyer
How is Montessori different from traditional kindergarten?
Montessori kindergartens are different from traditional kindergartens in a few key ways.
In a Montessori kindergarten, children are given the opportunity to explore the world around them at their own pace.
Traditional kindergartens, on the other hand, often focus on academic skills such as reading and math. While these skills are important, Montessori believes that kindergarten children should be able to learn about the world around them in their own way and at their own pace.
Here are a few other ways in which a Montessori kindergarten differs from a traditional kindergarten:
It typically has a lower teacher-to-student ratio. This allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace in the Montessori classroom.
- It often places an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. Children in a Montessori kindergarten are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery, using Montessori materials.
- It typically has longer school days than a traditional kindergarten would. This allows for more time for independent work and play.
- It often does not have a traditional grading system.
- A Montessori kindergarten year could include breaks during the fall and winter.
What program would my child be in?
Kindergarten-aged children would most likely be enrolled in the Children's House Program. You will meet with your child's educator to determine which program and class they are best suited for.
What is Children's House in Montessori?
Children's House is one of the levels or programs within the Montessori educational system. Typically students in Children's House range in age from 4-6 years old.
How can I find a great Montessori kindergarten in Chicago?
There are many great Montessori kindergartens in the Chicago area. A good place to start your search is the website of the American Montessori Society. Another great resource is the website of the Association for Montessori International.
Finally, you can also ask friends and family if they know of any great Montessori kindergartens in the area. At Guidepost, we have a number of programs and schools available in Chicago and its surrounding areas to suit different ages and learning styles.
My child is enrolled in a public school kindergarten, but I'm interested in Montessori. Is it too late to switch?
It's not too late to switch! As long as we don't have a waitlist, Guidepost Montessori can accept additional students. Contact us today to get the process started.
Hear what Guidepost Montessori at Lincoln Park parents are saying on Yelp!
Jamie A.
"We love Guidepost Montessori! Our 4-year-old has thrived there over the past year. We love the independent learning model. The classrooms are clean and constructive to learning.
The location is great, they take frequent walks to LP zoo! The teachers are the best and the staff is all amazing. Can't say enough positive things about Guidepost Montessori!"
Asena U.
"We love this place. The staff and teachers are truly kind, knowledgeable and loving. We send our 5 month old and 2 year old. They learn a new skill every day and we are always notified with their progression. Teachers explain what they are trying to achieve and ask our support.
I have seen teachers being kind, genuine, patient with kids all the time. They select truly the best teachers."
I'm not sure my child is ready for kindergarten. Should I wait a year or consider a different educational option?
There is no one answer to this question. Every child is different and will be ready for kindergarten at different times. Some children may be ready for kindergarten at age 4, while others may not be ready until age 6.
If you are unsure if your child is ready for kindergarten, it is best to consult with your child's pediatrician or an educational specialist.
Montessori kindergartens often have lower teacher-to-student ratios, which allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace. They also place an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences.
Children in a Montessori kindergarten are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery. These factors may make Montessori a better choice.
Montessori kindergartens often have lower teacher-to-student ratios, which allows for more individualized attention and allows each child to progress at their own pace. They also place an emphasis on hands-on learning experiences.
Children in a Montessori kindergarten are given the opportunity to learn through exploration and discovery. These factors may make Montessori a better choice.
I've heard Montessori programs are expensive. Is this true?
Most people believe that attending a Montessori school is quite expensive. While it is true that some can be costly, there are many affordable options available. It's important to do your research and find a school that fits both your budget and your child’s needs.
Guidepost Montessori programs are not typically funded by public tax dollars like traditional schools, so they often rely on tuition and private donations to operate.
This means that the cost of a Montessori school can vary greatly from one school to the next. Some schools may offer scholarships or financial aid to families who qualify, so be sure to ask about this when you are researching schools.
What is Guidepost Montessori?
Guidepost Montessori has a dedicated team of Montessori educators, advocates and leaders, who are passionate about spreading the power of the Montessori movement.
We are committed to providing each child with an individualized education in a nurturing environment that is designed to promote academic excellence, personal growth and social responsibility.
Our highly trained teachers guide children through the Montessori curriculum using hands-on materials and a variety of engaging activities.
What makes Guidepost different from other Montessori programs?
We are unique in our approach to education, blending the best of both Montessori and traditional methods. Our classrooms are carefully designed to promote independence, encourage exploration and allow for individualized instruction. We also offer a number of enrichment programs, such as art, music and foreign language, which are not typically found in other schools.
Guidepost Montessori is the perfect choice for families looking for a cutting-edge, yet well-rounded education for their children. Our experienced teachers are dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.
I'm interested in learning more about Montessori. Where can I go?
If you're interested in Montessori vs kindergarten specifically, we recommend reading this post where we compare and contrast both.
The Guidepost Parenting blog also has a wealth of information. You can also sign up for more information about our Chicago Guidepost Montessori schools by completing the form below.
Common Questions Asked About Our Guidepost Montessori at Lincoln Park's Kindergarten Program:
- Which is correct: kindergarten or kindergarden?
The correct spelling of the word is kindergarten in English. Kindergarten is commonly misspelled as “kindergarden”. Regardless of the world location, this is an incorrect spelling.
- Why is it called a kindergarten?
- What is a kindergartener's age?
- Is 7 old for kindergarten?
- What age is first grade?
- What ages are nursery?
Areas Near Our Lincoln Park Kindergarten School in Chicago
- Bucktown
- Buena Park
- Gold Coast
- Goose Island
- Lake View
- Lake View East
- Logan Square
- Margate Park
- North Center
- Old Town Triangle
- Park West
- Ranch Triangle
- Ravenswood
- Sheffield Neighbors
- Sheridan Park
- Wrigleyville
Other Programs And Information About Guidepost Montessori At Lincoln Park:
- Guidepost Montessori At Lincoln Park School Page
- Guidepost Montessori Child care
- Guidepost Montessori Daycare
- Guidepost Montessori Preschool
- Guidepost Montessori Elementary