Curriculum
Montessori curriculum introduces children to the world around them starting with the simple and concrete and progressing to the complex and abstract. We don't dumb topics down, but instead present them with a dose of wonder, getting children excited to learn more. Because our classroom is mixed age, some children may be learning to count to 10, while others may be working on addition. When we study a particular plant or animal, the youngest child may be learning its basic parts while the oldest child is creating a booklet of its life cycle. We strive for a balance between individual and group lessons to support every child's learning at their own level and pace. Throughout the curriculum, we inspire children with hands-on, real knowledge that engages them mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Practical Life
The center of the whole classroom, the Practical Life area draws children in with its child-sized tools and inviting materials put together by the teacher to hone their fine-motor skills and promote their independence.
Practical life is divided into three main areas:
Through practice buttoning, lacing, serving snack for a friend, watering plants and cleaning up spills, children become stewards of their classroom. They learn control of movement, coordination, and the joy and self-esteem that comes from contributing to a community.
Art
Contained within the practical life area, the open-ended art shelves give children freedom to explore many art supplies including paint, colored pencils, pastels, glue, and scissors, all of which they get lessons on using properly. Children are encouraged to make free art alongside other more structured art projects.
Over the course of a year, we will work on printmaking, collage, sewing, and more!
Zoology
From birds and butterflies to salmon and orca whales, our zoology curriculum explores animals through learning about their parts, habitats, and lifecycles.
Our exploration extends outdoors to our wildlife neighbors through learning about tracks, signs, and birdsong.
Language
Our language-rich classroom gets children excited about letters. The curriculum from simple matching and sorting through letter sounds and reading is geared to meet your child at their level.
Botany
Our botany studies start with the basic question - what is a plant? We will explore their parts through hands-on exploration and gardening. The children will become caretakers of plants both inside and outside the classroom.
Math
The beautiful Montessori math materials start at the concrete and develop to the abstract as we learn our numbers and begin to practice the four basic math operations.
Geography
The Montessori geography materials provide a beautiful base for our expansive geography curriculum. We begin with a study of land, air, and water and continue on to learn about the continents, biomes, and our local geography here in Washington.
Sensorial
The sensorial materials in a Montessori classroom help the child to develop their senses. From the quintessential pink tower to the constructive triangles, they become a centerpiece for exploration and discovery in the classroom.