My child joined a Montessori class environment after the recommended age group.

Will he/she still benefit from the philosophies and teachings?

Indeed it is better that a child begins in a Montessori class from about the age of two and a half years old. This is because they will be able to develop their concentration levels through preliminary activities that will transcend and carry over into other areas of the class. However, your child will receive one on one here at Yip's where we will quickly direct them through the preliminaries and work with them on the apparatus appropriate for their level of development. We will afford your child the confidence to pursue success as a newcomer to the Montessori setting.

How can transferring water from one container to the next possibly help my child?

The practical life area prepares your child for the real world and allows your child to become independent. Practical life activities have a three-fold purpose. The first is the "point of interest"; working with coloured water and materials that mom usually asks their child(ren) to stay away from. The second skill developed is the "refinement of fine motor skills and dexterity"; the apparatus requires strong, skilled, and steady hands to perform the activity correctly (or as the teacher has presented it; this is where the three areas of the checklist: presented, requires assistance, and independent becomes apparent). Lastly, your child will develop wonderful concentration. In order to perform the task of the activity well the child must be diligent, pay attention, focus and concentrate.

How will the Montessori Directress know what level my child is at?

Teachers are trained to recognize children's strengths and weaknesses. A Montessori setting provides your child(ren)'s teacher with all the apparatus necessary to determine what level your child is at. Based on presentations and your child(ren)'s ability to work independently, smoothly, and with very little assistance on certain materials offers the teacher the necessary information to recognize levels.