Kindergarten
Learning How to Think
(5 -6 years)
Philosophy
The three-year cycle is a key piece of the Montessori method. From ages 3-6, children stay in the same classroom with the same teachers and with classmates in the same age range. Dr. Montessori designed her classroom this way after careful observation of young children’s developmental needs, and planned for children to spend a full three years growing and learning in their classroom. Following her example, we are proud to extend our Children’s House program through the kindergarten year.
The third year in a Children’s House is often the most rewarding for both parents and children. Montessori parents have referred to kindergarten as the “leap year” because children, building on skills they developed during the previous two years, begin to leap forward in their learning at an astounding rate. Children look forward to being third year students, as this is when they become real leaders in the classroom. They love the opportunity to help younger classmates with their work, just as the older children helped them when they were small. These spontaneous displays of generosity serve as beautiful examples for younger children in the room, and will help them grow to be leaders in turn.
Our kindergarten program immerses children in “the basics” (math, reading, and language) and offers a wide range of lessons in science, geography, art, social skills and other cultural areas. By the end of their kindergarten year, Montessori students have often developed academic skills beyond those of most children enrolled in traditional American kindergarten programs. Academic progress, however, is not our ultimate goal. We aim to educate the whole child, not just the parts that show up on tests and report cards. We want to help children develop a love of learning in itself and to feel good about themselves as learners. We want them to develop inner security, a sense of order, pride, appreciation for the environment, curiosity, concentration, self-discipline, and responsibility for oneself and others.
KIndergarten at CHMS
Our Montessori kindergarten takes place in the Children’s House in two distinct cycles: the morning work cycle in a mixed-age classroom, and the afternoon work cycle for children between the ages of 5-6. Each Children’s House classroom at CHMS has a maximum of 20 children with one lead guide (teacher) and one assistant. The afternoon class consisting of older children generally has about 10 children. During this time, the children are free to choose their own work. The guide carefully observes each child to accurately gauge his/her interest and readiness for certain activities and concepts. New work, specifically tailored to the interests and skills of older children, is demonstrated either one-on-one or in small groups.
Daily Schedule
8:20-8:30 Arrival
8:30-11:30 Morning Work Cycle / Snack
11:30-12:15 Lunch
12:15-1:00 Recess / Outdoors / Gross Motor Activities
1:00-3:30 Afternoon Work Cycle – Kindergarten
3:30 School Day Dismissal
In addition to full-day kindergarten (8:30am-3:30pm), we offer an extended day option from 8:30am-5:30pm, and before care from 7:30-8:30am. Snacks are provided twice daily, in the morning and afternoon.
Our Kindergarten program is generally reserved for current students, though outside Kindergarten applicants with Montessori experience maybe accepted into the program on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in enrolling your child in Kindergarten at CHMS, please call us at 651-222-1555 or send an email to info@chmschool.org
