The ultimate goals for Sterling Montessori’s Math Program are to provide all students with a solid foundation in mathematics, the ability to think creatively and with flexibility in all areas of math, and to appreciate the beauty of mathematics in the world around them. My work as the Math Specialist is to contribute to the success of all students with these goals in mind.
Work inside the classroom may include individual assistance, small group activities and/or lessons, based on teacher recommendations. Students may also work outside the classroom one-on-one for assessments, reinforcement of lessons or concepts already presented and differentiated instruction.
Community resources include teacher support for the Montessori math curriculum based on current research in best practices for teaching and learning, as well as opportunities for parent education at appointed times during the school year, featuring Sterling’s math program provided by level.
Lower Elementary
Reading support is provided at Sterling to students identified as needing early intervention in one of the following areas: phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, or fluency.
Reading intervention for Lower elementary students is coordinated with teachers and includes individual or small group lessons 2/3x a week within the classroom or in some circumstances in close proximity to the classroom.
During time together, research based, multi-sensory materials are provided to develop and strengthen targeted reading skills.
Upper Elementary
Reading support is provided at Sterling to students identified as needing intervention in one of the following areas: phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, or fluency.
Reading intervention for Upper elementary students is coordinated with teachers and includes individual or small group lessons 2/3x a week within the classroom or in some circumstances in close proximity to the classroom. Lessons are multi-sensory in nature and designed to make reading enjoyable and meaningful.
Students monitor their individual progress and spend time reading both fiction and non-fiction texts. Understanding how to use context clues to provide meaning, as well as expanding vocabulary are both essential skills that are addressed.
Middle School
Reading support is provided at Sterling to students identified as needing intervention in one of the following areas: phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, or fluency.
Reading intervention for Middle School students is coordinated with teachers and includes individual or small group lessons 2/3x a week within the classroom or in some circumstances, in close proximity to the classroom. Lessons are multi-sensory in nature and designed to make reading enjoyable and personally rewarding.
A meaningful reading program is developed that incorporates classroom reading/writing assignments and focuses on students’ specific areas that need further growth. The overall goal is for students to develop a love for reading a good book while also building confidence as readers.
The school counseling program is a service provided to all students at Sterling that works to support their academic, career and personal and social development. Counseling activities in a school setting are typically short-term in nature and focus on solutions to help your child succeed in all areas of their development. Counseling activities include individual counseling, small group sessions, and whole classroom lessons. Depending on the need, these activities will either be held in the classroom or they will be pulled-out at a scheduled time that does not conflict with teacher instruction time.
In an effort to address the needs of the whole child, concerns will be heard and every effort will be made to support your child. In the event that the need is not able to be addressed at the school level or would require longer term support, we will work with parents to find outside resources.
Overview of Support at Each Level
Lower Elementary
At the Lower Elementary level, the social emotional learning focus is on feeling identification, self-regulation, building positive social skills, diversity, growth mindset and conflict resolution. Academic supports are focused on providing strategies to be effective in the classroom with focus and organization skills.
Upper Elementary
At the Upper Elementary level, we build upon the social emotional skills developed at the lower elementary level and focus on self- awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Academic supports are typically focused on providing strategies to be effective in the classroom regarding focus and concentration, executive functioning skills, and anxiety.
Middle School
At the Middle School level, we build upon the social emotional skills developed at the lower and upper elementary level and focus on developing positive mental health practices and healthy relationships. Academic supports are typically focused on providing strategies to be effective in the classroom regarding focus and concentration, executive functioning skills, anxiety, and preparing for the high school level and beyond.
