Humanism1

=Curriculum Exemplifying Humanistic Instructional Features =

[|Farmington Valley Academy Montessori]
  Montessori schools follow the Humanistic approach to learning. Farmington Valley Academy Montessori is one of those schools. They believe in developing a strong set of moral values. Developing a well-rounded individual accompanied with life skills is important to this school. Their humanistic perspective allows for mistakes and views those mistakes as opportunities to learn. During adolescence, morality is still developing. The Montessori environment helps students develop a strong moral value system through the Humanistic approach. This Humanistic curriculum fosters children while developing into strong self-actualized adults.

__Independent Thinkers__- Children have a natural, human desire to learn. Teachers act as facilitators guiding students in their personal learning. Critical thinking in all areas of education welcomed. The world is constantly changing, and independent ideas and creativity are encouraged in a humanistic environment.

__Self-Oriented Development__- In a humanistic environment, children learn to contribute to the world and their community. They develop interdependency and teamwork skills. When working and interacting with adults, it creates a higher level of socialization. These experiences show children the collective role they play in humanity.

__Development of Moral Education__- Character is extremely important in the whole development of an individual. A strong personal character is build through self-respect and the respect of others. Humanists recognize the relationship between individual growth and progress in the human community. Children see values such as initiative to help humanity and commitment to respecting other humans as honorary characteristics to encompass.

__Emotional Development__- Children have a broad view of the world. They understand that the world has problems. Encouraging students to express and debate their personal views on topics develops a strong emotional core. Humanism environments allow children to hear all view points to develop emotional senses such as understanding, and empathy. These situations help mold children into confident yet compassionate individuals.

__Social Development__- Adolescence is the time when children are learning how to interact with their peers. Many relationships are built during this stage in life. Humanism allows for social development through collaborative learning and community responsibility. They learn to develop life-long friendships that are as strong as family bonds. When a child maintains successful, healthy relationships, it meets their humanistic needs of belongingness, love, and self-esteem.