Montessori Secret Sauce
Montessori isn’t the bread and butter style of learning, so we want to take a moment to clue you in on our Montessori/Acton recipe for Spark Studio learners. The Spark Studio is essentially a Montessori studio and through out the year we will be sprinkling Acton principles such as the hero’s journey, badges, and more. Think 85% Montessori, 15% Acton ideas, a fusion dish!
So, what’s the dish on Montessori?
The magic of Montessori is the absolutely gorgeous materials that excite curiosity. Learning is beautiful and each material was crafted and cared for just as we learn to care for our minds, environment, and community. In Spark, your learner makes many choices and their school day begins with making a choice of what material they want to work with first. They receive one-on-one (and occasionally small group) lessons from the Lead Guide in 5 different areas: Mathematics, Language Arts, Sensorial, Culture & Science, Practical Life. Think of these 5 areas as a corollary to Acton’s Core Skills. Instead of Acton Elementary computer programs delivering information, learners are introduced to materials that are carefully graded from concrete objects to abstract concepts. Once a learner receives a lesson they are free to work with the material often in order to practice and eventually master the material and skill. You’ll learn a lot by perusing the ingredients of lessons in our online platform, Transparent Classroom. In a nutshell, a learner is first Introduced to the material with a lesson from a Guide, then they spend much time Practicing, and eventually they demonstrate Mastery of a material and move on to more challenging work.
Our Lead Guide is currently assessing each child’s recipe of strengths and areas of discovery. Montessori masters are in the making! After mastery, what’s next? We know a learner is ready for the next studio (Elementary) when they have mastered lessons and extensions in Language Arts and Mathematics. If you have a learner that can’t wait to get gaming in the Elementary Studio, remind them that working hard and practicing with studio materials is their gateway to technology!
So what’s the secret sauce?
The secret sauce of Montessori, Acton, and the Spark Studio is a mixture of choice, freedom, and community. Lord Acton, of which Acton Academy is named, believed deeply in the breadth of freedom and Maria Montessori believed the goal of education is to nurture each child’s natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect. Add in the most special ingredient––your beautiful learners!