Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Maria Montessori was an educator and physician, one of first female doctors in Italy. Upon examining the school system, she decided there was a better way to approach things. That lead her to create a non-traditional approach where children were allowed to learn by choice rather than by force, and the concept is known as Montessori. Emily Aune (on-ee) was drawn to this education model and started Montessori in Riverton
Emily Aune (on-ee) and her husband are passionate about education. They knew when it came to their children, the quality of education was critically important. As their first child grew up, they found out he was ADHD and suffered other learning disabilities that couldn't be served in a regular classroom. Following extensive research, they discovered the Montessori learning technique and decided to open their own school. Montessori at Riverton's new location opened just a few weeks ago.
The school is set up so it's a child-prepared environment with lessons, materials and tools students need to learn. The teacher acts as a facilitator, and the child chooses what they want to learn first. Lessons must be enticing to draw the students over. This way, children can develop a love of learning instead of just focusing on memorization. This also individualizes curriculum to each child and makes it a more hands on, with tangible materials, and freedom, within limits, to choose what they'll be learning while enrolled in Montessori at Riverton.
Emily says with Montessori-style education, they've discovered children work best in a three-year age group, so classes are created with the idea that the older children help the younger. Lessons are based on five different subject areas: language, math, sensorial, cultural and practical.
So far, interest in Montessori at Riverton has been good, especially for parents seeking educational alternatives. Emily says the school serves students from age 3 to 12, and they're planning to cap enrollment at 120. The student to teacher ratio right now is sitting at 1 to10, which helps create more one-on-one time so students' educational needs can be met more effectively.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Montessori at Riverton 1640 W. 13200 South Riverton, UT 84065 801-913-6564 www.montessori-at-riverton.org
