Montessori School Antenatal And Infant Classes: Progressive Education For Children

The Montessori method is an approach to education that caters to the learning preferences of children according to their natural psychological needs. This method of teaching was formed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, who observed that children flourish best when they are allowed to learn independently and freely interact with their surroundings. Montessori School is one of the few schools in the world that effectively utilises the Montessori approach. For new parents who are interested in Montessori learning, the school offers several courses designed to guide learning for parents and very young children.

For parents who want to learn more about and get a head start on a lifetime of Montessori learning, Parents as Guides programme can be a good source of information and guidance on this unique educational approach. Antenatal classes offers weekly sessions with parents and their children in an environment specially designed to meet developmental needs of newborn babies to one-year-old infants. These weekly sessions are held every Friday (morning or afternoon). Here, parents can observe their children while also gently guiding them as they explore age-appropriate toys and activities provided by the school. These include textured and brightly toys to stimulate sensory development, puzzles to enhance cognitive thinking and safe courses to encourage motor skills.

Infants who are able to walk or those who have reached 15 to 18 months of age can graduate from the Parents as Guides programme and be transferred to the Infant Community, a learning group for children from age one to three. Infant Community sessions are held 4 mornings per week and include activities that focus on developing hand-eye coordination, practical life skills, language and creativity. Fostering a sense of community is an important goal for this class, and children and parents are highly encouraged to interact with other members of the group and help each other through this exciting developmental stage.

In addition to these weekly gatherings for baby groups, parents can also attend a fortnightly discussion session held on Thursday nights. During these sessions, parents will be taught about the developmental milestones expected for every age along with tips for meeting children's needs as they grow. They also offer fortnightly craft sessions where parents can create the objects to be used to aid their child's development.

The principles of the Montessori method are applied in all the teaching sessions. With this spontaneous and unrestricted approach to learning, children and parents can forge stronger ties with each other and the community while at the same time fostering a love for learning, respect for others as well as independent and free thinking.

In this unhindered approach to learning, parent and children can build better relationships with one another as they explore the little things they can do with their children from birth that grow into lifelong attitudes of mutual respect and joyful collaboration. To promote a real love for learning, admiration for other people as well as independent and free thinking, just visit www.themontessoriplace.org.uk.

Private Schools Can Give Your Children a World Class Education

Finding the best place for your children to receive a quality education can be a challenge when you have so many other things to attend too. There are so many different educational facilities popping up all over the place that can make it hard for you to figure out where you should send your kids for school. Now you have more choices than ever to choose from. Don't feel overwhelmed at the amount of options you have before you. Take the easy route and look at the different private schools that can provide your children with a world-class education.

Thanks to many different sources of funding and scholarships, private schools are not just for those that are considered privileged. Any child that has the will and drive to succeed can also enjoy the same opportunities as children whose parents can afford too. In order to give your children the opportunity to matriculate among the elite, you need to find a little time to screen the educational facilities in your area. Don't just base your decision on the academics alone. The social atmosphere is also equally important. Your goal is to find the best educational institute in which your children will strive to succeed, all while feeling socially accepted among their peers.

Even though many private schools can be a bit expensive, there are ways you can help offset some of the costs. There are many different fundraising opportunities for you to participate in throughout the year. There may be scholarships and other sources of funding for you to look into as well. Don't let the cost of receiving a quality education detour you from letting your children learn and mingle among the best. Give your children the push they need and enroll them where they can learn and be nurtured in the safest environment possible.

Many studies show that students who are educated in private schools are more likely to score higher on exams. These students learn and can comprehend material at higher grade levels then what they matriculate at. Not only do they have a thorough understanding of complex materials, they are also able to compete more efficiently against students from around the world. They have access to opportunities and resources that they wouldn't have at a regular institution.

Children that go to private schools are more prepared to matriculate in higher educational facilities like high school and colleges. Instead of struggling during their first years, they understand and often times place into higher-level courses. This can result in less money being spent for college since these students are less likely to fail a course. These students are also more likely to qualify for various scholarships and grant opportunities that can help reduce the amount of money that needs to be paid for their college education. Give your children the chance to receive the best level and quality of education possible. Visit several independent educational facilities and see what your children are missing.

The Importance of Spiritual Education After a Divorce for Children

During the divorce mediation, you will explore and resolve many issues that revolve around planning for the various aspects of your children's lives. After the major issues of custody, residence, medical, and financial areas are dealt with, one important issue that is sometimes overlooked is planning for your children's religious or spiritual future. It is vital that both parents discuss this fundamental foundation of a child's life and the decisions you make now will follow into the adult lives of your children.

When both parents share the same faith or spiritual philosophy, this can be one of the easier parts of your mediation. Still, which facility they will attend, potential counseling through your church or synagogue, and parental attendance at religious events should be covered and settled. A special concern is the spiritual education of your children.

Parents sometimes agree to send their children to religiously affiliated schools. When this happens, the tuition and associated costs can be very high and parents must decide who pays what and how exactly it will be paid. But more than the money involved, recognizing the potential spiritual benefits of a formal religious program should be utmost in a parent's mind.

Often the changing dynamic of a divorce leaves children asking fundamental questions about God's role in their lives. Discussing spirituality with your children can be as challenging as discussions about drugs and sex. A pastor, priest, or rabbi can give the biblical and historic role God plays in their lives and provide a consistent part in listening and advising all family members. Care should be taken to choose clergy that are sympathetic and responsible in their dealings with children. Because of their vulnerability, close supervision is essential.

Both you and your former spouse should speak with a spiritual advisor and remain involved throughout the process. There have been abuses when children are at risk because of their shaken faith, possible intimidation, and misplaced trust in church leaders. The perfect arrangement would be with family group sessions where you are always present when your children meet with clergy.

Because faith based issues affect and involve the entire family, it might be a good idea to consult grandparents, godparents, and aunts and uncles. Often our faith is something passed down through generations and your extended family can be a valuable resource and provide good insight. A church or synagogue can become a kind of home for your child, and when families can agree on these concepts, the institution can be a safe harbor for the entire family as they experience the difficulties of divorce.

Brian James is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with offices throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. He started his mediation practice, C.E.L. and Associates, in late 2005.

Brian earned his B.S. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 1994 and completed training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Northwestern University.

Brian worked in the Criminal Justice System helping domestic violence and divorcing families resolve family conflicts. He assisted with the healing process that took place after these life-changing events had occurred.

Choosing an Educational Path for Children With Cerebral Palsy

How a child receives his education is one of the most important choices a parent faces. For the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, the choices are no less important and can be very difficult. Like all parents, you want to place your child in an educational environment that will allow him to thrive and reach his or her greatest potential. Every child with cerebral palsy has different needs and abilities and deciding whether to place them in a special education environment, with specially trained instructors or a mainstream education program, where they might find more opportunities to learn how to function in mainstream culture. Either choice has its advantages and disadvantages.

MAINSTREAM

Mainstream doesn't automatically mean "public school." Private schools also offer mainstream education and environment.

If a child's cerebral palsy is deemed "mild," he or she will probably benefit from a mainstream environment. It can provide them with certain social skills and emotional growth they might not get elsewhere. So much of early education is about socialization and learning to interact with others. Proponents of placing children with mild cerebral palsy into mainstream educational systems suggest it benefits both the afflicted child (by giving them a stronger sense of daily routine and boasting their self-esteem) and the non-disabled child (who gains a stronger sense of empathy and inclusivity).

As mandated by law (IDEA - Individual with Disabilities Education Act), children who meet the requirements of "special needs" can and should develop an IEP (individualized education program) to ensure a child's educational needs are met. IEP's may include additional or alternative physical or speech therapy or other special considerations during certain classes. This can help keep them in the mainstream environment while seeing that they get the special attention they require. IEP's can address both physical limitations as well as cognitive.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Children with more severe manifestations of cerebral palsy may not be able to thrive in a mainstream environment and may benefit from attending a special education school. Here they will work with a staff of education specialists trained to educate children with a variety of disabilities, not just cerebral palsy. In a special school program, each needs of each child is independently addressed and monitored, thus eliminating the fear that a mainstream school might move too fast for your child.

The lines between mainstream education and special education are not as harshly defined as they once were. Children who attend special schools often attend classes (such as art and music) at mainstream schools or attend mainstream school for the bulk of their courses and only attend special school classes in subjects they are struggling with.

In choosing an educational path that best fits the needs and abilities of your child, there are ample resources. Teachers, doctors and therapists are all available to work with you in bringing together the right components of the education your child needs and deserves.