Plan of Study & Work
Maria Montessori’s educational vision was unlike that of a traditional school curriculum. Rather than following a strict common curriculum that is confined to state standards, Montessori adolescent programs follow a syllabus that follows the developmental needs of the adolescents. Montessori’s Plan of Study and Work is what in a successful adolescent program. This Plan provides opportunities for adolescents that offer a chance to feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in the search for their place in society. Montessori’s plan for education involves the social organization of the prepared environment as well as an educational syllabus that allows adolescents to work towards social and economic independence. The adolescent program at VMS follows this Plan of Study and Work to support the developmental needs of the adolescent. In addition, by implementing a Plan of Study and Work we are creating a harmonious culture.
The prepared environment for the adolescent has been described as, “a school of experience in the elements of social life” (Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence, Appendix A). Montessori stressed that to be successful in supporting the development of the adolescent, there is a requirement to fulfill the fundamental needs of human development in the adolescent. The adolescent environment at VMS offers experiences that involve meaningful and purposeful work as well as experiences with social organizations. It is inviting, beautiful, and organized. There are a variety of opportunities to allow adolescents to participate in adult-like activities that encourage them to care for themselves, others, and the environment.
Maria Montessori’s idea of an educational syllabus is implemented into our program by studying the earth and living things, human progress and the building up of civilization, and the history of humanity. The development of the adolescent mind is cultivated through moral education, the study of mathematics, and language. Providing endless opportunities for self-expression such as art, music, poetry will aid in the development of the adolescent mind. Montessori stressed that all human beings become moral through being social. Language is required to communicate with one another. Mathematics is required for trading with one another. Moral education involves practice in Microeconomy (math) and social interactions (language). The adolescents at VMS engage in activities that explore moral education; these activities include seminars, community meetings, hosting meals, Microeconomy sales, and managing areas of the community.
The prepared environment for the adolescent has been described as, “a school of experience in the elements of social life” (Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence, Appendix A). Montessori stressed that to be successful in supporting the development of the adolescent, there is a requirement to fulfill the fundamental needs of human development in the adolescent. The adolescent environment at VMS offers experiences that involve meaningful and purposeful work as well as experiences with social organizations. It is inviting, beautiful, and organized. There are a variety of opportunities to allow adolescents to participate in adult-like activities that encourage them to care for themselves, others, and the environment.
Maria Montessori’s idea of an educational syllabus is implemented into our program by studying the earth and living things, human progress and the building up of civilization, and the history of humanity. The development of the adolescent mind is cultivated through moral education, the study of mathematics, and language. Providing endless opportunities for self-expression such as art, music, poetry will aid in the development of the adolescent mind. Montessori stressed that all human beings become moral through being social. Language is required to communicate with one another. Mathematics is required for trading with one another. Moral education involves practice in Microeconomy (math) and social interactions (language). The adolescents at VMS engage in activities that explore moral education; these activities include seminars, community meetings, hosting meals, Microeconomy sales, and managing areas of the community.