Montessori School British Virgin Islands

In a Montessori classroom there is no front of the room and no teacher's desk as a focal point of attention because the stimulation for learning comes from the total environment. Dr. Montessori always referred to the teacher as a "directress" and her role differs considerably from that of a traditional teacher. She is, first of all, a very keen observer of the individual interests and needs of each child, and her daily work proceeds from her observations rather than from prepared curriculum. However at CHMS BVI we do have a curriculum which parents are invited to study at home. The directress demonstrates the correct use of materials as they are individually chosen by the children. She carefully watches the progress of each child and keeps a record of his work with the materials and any other observations re stress, acute tiredness, lack of focus etc., She is trained to recognize periods of readiness "Sensitive Periods" and sometimes she must divert a child who chooses material which is beyond his ability; at other times she must encourage a child who is hesitant. Whenever a child makes a mistake, she refrains, if possible, from intervening and allows him to discover his own error through further manipulation of the self-correcting materials. This procedure follows Dr. Montessori's principle that a child learns through experience and follows CHMS BVI's Casa Motto "Teach me to do it myself."



Montessori System Curriculum/Programs About Us Latest News Press Releases Parents Teacher's Profile Location About the BVI Tuition/Fees Activities/Calendar Awards/Recognition Testimonials FAQ's History of CHMS Contact Us Links Site Map Home	TEACHERS THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER In a Montessori classroom there is no front of the room and no teacher's desk as a focal point of attention because the stimulation for learning comes from the total environment. Dr. Montessori always referred to the teacher as a "directress" and her role differs considerably from that of a traditional teacher. She is, first of all, a very keen observer of the individual interests and needs of each child, and her daily work proceeds from her observations rather than from prepared curriculum. However at CHMS BVI we do have a curriculum which parents are invited to study at home. The directress demonstrates the correct use of materials as they are individually chosen by the children. She carefully watches the progress of each child and keeps a record of his work with the materials and any other observations re stress, acute tiredness, lack of focus etc., She is trained to recognize periods of readiness "Sensitive Periods" and sometimes she must divert a child who chooses material which is beyond his ability; at other times she must encourage a child who is hesitant. Whenever a child makes a mistake, she refrains, if possible, from intervening and allows him to discover his own error through further manipulation of the self-correcting materials. This procedure follows Dr. Montessori's principle that a child learns through experience and follows CHMS BVI's Casa Motto "Teach me to do it myself."

THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER