The Bright Spot

Description:

The Bright Spot is excited to offer a new Montessori-based global studies class for students ages 5-12 that will focus on the physical and human geography and culture of the world in an inclusive and welcoming Montessori environment.

Students will participate in a wide variety of fun and highly-engaging learning activities that center around topics such as world cuisine, international travel, current events, historical and inspiring people from around the world, global fashion and design, and folktales. In addition, we will engage in researching different countries and their unique cultures, traditional clothing, food from around the world, animal habitats based on geography, famous landmarks, and how people communicate across cultures.

This experience will be led by Amy Mayer, M. Ed. (Internationally certified Montessori Elementary Teacher with Association Montessori Internationale, The Netherlands) and will follow the Montessori Philosophy and Approach (see Montessori Principles and Approach section below for more details on this). Essential characteristics of this approach include mixed-aged classes, a prepared environment, hands-on materials, repetition of activity, purposeful movement, freedom of choice, independence, respect, self-construction of the learner, and a highly trained Montessori guide. Each child will have the opportunity to create their own illustrated Dictionary of Global Literacy that documents their research and creative expressions throughout the year.

Montessori Principles and Approach:

Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the first woman physician in Rome, Italy. Her work led her to closely observe the behavior of children. The principles that follow are based on Maria Montessori's writings and observations and have been adopted by the American Montessori Society (AMS) as key concepts in preparing children for life long learning in the 21st century.

1. The aim of Montessori education is to foster autonomy and competence and to develop responsible, adaptive citizens who are life-long learners and problem-solvers.

2, A Montessori environment is one where learning occurs in an inquisitive, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere.

3. A Montessori environment enables learning to take place through the senses. Students learn through manipulating material and interacting with others. Hands-on materials are designed to attract the student, stimulate academic exploration, and develop critical thinking.

4. The classroom is multi-age by design. Self-initiative, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are practiced in a safe, supportive, and healthy atmosphere.

5.The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, and cognitive needs of the student are all considered essential in the child's development.

6. The student learns the respect of self, others, the environment, and life, all as a necessary expression of developing a caring attitude toward all people and the planet.

The Montessori Global Studies Group...

• welcomes family participation, but it is not required.
• is for children ages 5-12. Kids must be able to toilet independently and not be a safety risk to themselves or others (elopement, aggression, etc.).
• takes place on Mondays from 1pm-3pm at The Bright Spot
• provides all needed supplies and materials. Kids just need to bring a snack and water bottle each day.
• is capped at 10 kids to provide the opportunity to build a close knit community.
• if we have to miss days for weather, instructor illness, or any other circumstances that prevent us from meeting, a refund of $25 a day per child will be issued to families.
• does not provide refunds for missed days for illness, etc. for coop families due to budgeting for supplies/materials, meeting space, field trips, staff, guest instructors, etc.
• will play outside and get messy often, so dress accordingly with shoes and clothes that can get dirty.

Meeting Dates:

January 13, 20, 27

February 3, 10, 17, 24

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

April 14, 21, 28

May 5, 12, 19

Tuition:

Tuition for Jan 2025-May 2025 is $275. At the time of booking, you will pay a $75 deposit. This holds your spot and will also be credited toward your full tuition. Payments may be made by credit card (preferred), check, or Venmo.

By registering online, you are agreeing to the terms specified here in regards to policies and payments.

A sibling discount of $50 per sibling is available per sibling. Directions:

After the first registration you will get a "Register another person" button. Clicking on that presents you with another registration form already pre-filled and available for you to modify as needed. You can repeat this flow as many times as needed.