The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method of education is based on the observations and discoveries of Dr. Maria Montessori. She was the first woman physician in Italy, graduating from the Royal University of Rome in 1896.
From her many hours of observation, she began to design activities that would help the individual development of each child. Given a carefully prepared learning environment, children would work toward perfecting their concentration and inner control. Montessori is an individualized program designed to help each child reach his or her fullest potential.
The Montessori materials are designed to help cognitive development, concentration, coordination, independence, and socialization. The classroom environment allows the child to develop his or her social sense and awareness of others in a natural and unrushed way. The Montessori Method is education for life.
Spanish Immersion Program
How the Second Language is Introduced in the Classroom?
From 2.5 to 5 years old, children will learn a second language in the same way they learn a first language. The second language is not our focus of instruction, but the MEDIUM of instruction, and is used in the communicative purposes.
Usually about 5 years old, children are physically and developmentally ready for an extended work cycle. At this age your child will be able to concentrate for longer periods of time and would be exploring through writing, reading and math.
Researches have shown that exposing your child to a second language not only stimulates and challenges the brain but also:
- Improves memory
- Enhances concentration
- Develops the ability to multitask
- Strengthens verbal and listening skills
Why is Full Immersion the Best Way to Learn a Second Language?
Language acquisition is natural. Children under the age of six absorb everything in their environment, including the language! From birth to approximately age six, your child's brain is like a sponge, soaking up huge amounts of information from the environment.
During this period your child can learn the language with minimal effort in a natural way. To take advantage of this ability, the teacher will present all the lessons and guide children on all the daily activities in Spanish language.
Children will engage in active listening, speaking, reading, writing and reflection about the second language. From a young age children will quickly begin to understand basic directions and information in the new language.
Meet Our Staff
Meet the Founder & Head Teacher, Alejandra Chavez
Alejandra grew up a Montessori student, and now is a mom of two bilingual children, of whom she has experienced the benefits of bilingualism first hand. Both of her children attended Montessori preschools.
Alejandra has a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Spanish Literature & Culture from University of Granada, Spain. She is a graduate of the Association Montessori Internationale for Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
She taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade in a Bilingual Charter Public Montessori School in Washington, DC; then moved into the private sector of Bilingual and Immersion Spanish programs in the Greater Chicago area.
After over 20 years of being an educator, she's looking forward to this next step of having a school set up and run in the way she has found to be the most beneficial for immersion. Being inspired to create Monarca Montessori Preschool to help other parents to give the gift of bilingualism to their children.