Primary Preschool Children’s House
A Love for Learning
(2.9 – 6 years)
Half- and Full-Day Montessori Programs
Hands-On Montessori offers mixed-age Montessori preschool and kindergarten classes, with students ages 2.9 to 6 years old. This mixed age grouping fosters a non-competitive environment. Peer teaching and learning occurs spontaneously allowing older children to reinforce their skills; furthermore, it affords younger children opportunities and experiences that may not otherwise be available in a more traditional grade type classroom.
The Montessori Method is based on an integrated approach to the curriculum whereby no subject is taught in isolation. Math, language, art, music, geography, cultural studies, botany, zoology and other sciences are explored. Additionally, outdoor play, lessons in grace and courtesy; care and respect for ones’ self, the environment, and each other are part of the daily curriculum.
Respect for concentration is modeled and taught from very early on; therefore, students are not interrupted while engaged in a purposeful activity. The children are encouraged to pursue studies in all areas of their spontaneous personal interest using hands-on, “experiential” learning through concrete manipulative learning materials, experimental discovery, and group experiences. Children are free to move about the room and make work choices while being guided by the Montessori teacher based on observations of readiness and interest. There is a definite sense of freedom within clearly defined limits in the Montessori preschool classroom.
Half-Day Preschool Schedule
Morning Class: 8:30 to 11:30, Monday through Friday
Afternoon Class: 12:30 to 3:30, Monday through Friday
Full-Day Preschool Enrichment Schedule
Our Full Day Preschool Enrichment program is held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. It’s available to families whose children are enrolled in the morning session of our half-day program and need full day care. This program is a supplement to our traditional Montessori preschool program and offers limited enrollment.
The add-on schedule includes:
- 11:30 to 12:30 – Lunch Bunch
- 12:30 to 1:15 – Read Aloud & Rest/Quiet time (EEC requirement)
- 1:15 to 2:45 – Preschool Enrichment; games, music & movement, dancing, cooking, art, snack and other activities indoor or outdoor as the weather permits.
- 2:45 to 3:00 – Closing Group Community Time.
- 3:00 to 3:30 – Outdoor Learning & Play Time
It’s a Mixed Age Classroom
Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at their own pace while participating in a mixed age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills and responsibility by setting an example for their younger friends.
The Gift of Choice
Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it and perfect it.
A Deep Connection Between Teacher and Child
Our AMS certified teachers choose this career because of their love for children and dedication to Montessori. Their depth of training and knowledge is amplified by the joyful and deep relationship they develop with your child throughout the three-year journey together.
Child Centered (Not Teacher Centered)
Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher, often referred to as the guide, is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with them or a small group.
Beautiful Hands-On Materials Help Your Child Learn
The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, they develop a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.
Group Activities and Play
While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to their ability, not to a generic standard.
The Children’s House - Primary Program
The teacher works to perfect the environment – in it, your child works to perfect him or herself. Our teachers put tremendous care and attention to detail into the classroom with low shelves, beautiful artwork, books and cultural items of interest to pique your child’s interest and stimulate their senses. The children respond by developing a sense of classroom ownership and a drive to care for it, further deepening the bonds of the community and their quest to learn.
Essential Skills for a Successful Life
The Primary classroom is designed to help your child become their best self. Through “grace and courtesy” activities, we teach children how to solve conflicts, how to act politely in social situations and how to be kind and helpful to friends.
(Kindergarten Included)
Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. They are introduced to numbers and the decimal system. They learn about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. They leave the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting and boundless. At this point, they are ready to move up to the
Elementary Program, for children from the ages of 6 to 12.
“There’s no shortage of praise I could give for the Hands On Montessori School. I quite literally couldn’t imagine my son being even close to a better fit in a different school. The staff and teachers are amazing people, who love each child and take real time to get to know them… The learning environment goes beyond mere academics; it is a school in which kindness, love and respect for life is also instilled.”
- Jake R