Ammonite School Philosophy

The Ammonite School incorporates a combination of Montessori Philosophy, Socratic Method, Multiple Intelligence Theory, Social Emotional Curriculum, Occupational Therapy Techniques, The Five Love Languages, and Individualized Learning.   

Montessori Philosophy.

The Montessori Method is a child centered model created by Maria Montessori that is founded on profound respect for the child.  The method focuses on creating a beautiful space that facilitates order, coordination, concentration and independence.  Lessons are given in small groups utilizing Montessori materials.  All areas of the environment are carefully and methodically prepared to ensure the child is successful and gains a lasting love of learning.  Montessori also includes mixed age groups, which provide children experiences in leadership as well as peer inspiration and learning. The ammonite school founder is a certified AMS Montessori Guide with over 20 years experience in a primary classroom.

The Socratic Method is a learning theory based on communication and inquisition. Students discuss, brainstorm and facilitate their learning through a series of questions.  Children are encouraged to use critical thinking to draw out ideas, answer their questions, and facilitate their own learning process through intrinsic motivation and open inquiry.  

Psychologist Howard Gardener theorized that people have more than just intellectual capacity; they have unique areas of intelligence including musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal spatial-visual, linguistic, logical-mathematical, body kinesthetic and Naturalistic.  When children are given ample opportunities to learn through these multiple intelligences, they are able to internalize and retain knowledge at a deeper more personal level.  We strive to identify where our students excel and create unique individualized opportunities and lessons that encourage fulfilling, meaningful learning.   

Children are empowered by creating healthy and strong communication skills. We teach communication and conflict resolution skills by modeling and encouraging children to set boundaries, ask for what they need, and work together to solve problems.  We educate children on a rich emotional vocabulary through group discussions and welcome every single student exactly where they are.  Children are encouraged to communicate and are engaged in community and supporting one another through setting goals and supporting each other in those goals.  Respect for all living things is a requirement in our community and we profoundly honor and include everyone.  

We welcome all types of learners and have many years experience working with children that have sensory processing, self regulating, and behavioral needs. We happily partner with occupational therapists and create individualized plans, to provide a successful and unique educational experience for each student, while engaging the whole student community as an integral and cooperative support system.  We have low teacher-to-student ratios to facilitate flexible, individualized and positive school experiences.   

The five love languages is a concept developed by Gary Chapman as a relationship tool and then was expanded upon in collaboration with Ross Campbell to include children.  The love languages identified are: acts of service, giving and receiving gifts, physical touch, quality time and words of affirmation.  We seek to identify how each child feels validated and loved and provide opportunities for children to both give and receive appreciation in their special way or ways.