OUR PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL) PROGRAM

The Primary (Preschool) program is available for children ages two years, ten months through six years.  This Montessori classroom is geared to the pace and interests of children, giving them freedom in an environment prepared with attractive materials. Children are free to choose their own activities, to work alone or in small groups with the Montessori materials for most of the session.

Children enrolled in the three day option may switch to a five day attendance upon consultation with their Directress and the Head of School. It is expected 3-day children will enroll for a 5-day (half or full day) program their second year at The Children's House. Children entering their kindergarten year at CHBC should have experienced at least one full year of 5-day Montessori primary.

The Primary Curriculum

The materials are divided into seven main groups:

 

• Practical Life includes activities of daily living such as learning to button and tie, pouring, spooning, and cleaning up after oneself. These develop concentration, self-esteem, and fine motor skills.

• Sensorial Materials such as the Tower of Cubes (Pink Tower), Color Tablets, and Mystery Bag spotlight the use of the senses to discriminate differences in the environment.

• Math Materials such as the Cards and Counters and Golden Beads help the children develop awareness of basic math concepts.

• All areas of the classroom involve the development of language. However, there is a special Language area with materials such as Sandpaper Letters, Sound Boxes, Movable Alphabet, and Metal Insets to develop the skills for writing and reading.

• Creative Arts and Crafts allow for self-expression and motor development.

• Science, especially basic biology and physical science, is explored through the care of animals and simple experimental "works".

• Cultural Diversity is introduced through the use of Puzzle Maps, celebrations, etc.

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Before or after "Work Time" children and adults gather for "Line."  Songs and finger plays, discussion, short group presentations, story reading and Show & Tell take place under the Directress' direction. Special programs may be presented by parents or individuals from the community who share special talents or knowledge with the children. We warmly invite parents to share their cultural, ethnic, or professional interests, hobbies, and talents. Supervised gross-motor playtime is scheduled for each session. This is usually outside in the fenced playground.

 

Learning Challenges

The Children's House is prepared to work cooperatively with parents in assisting children with learning challenges. If either a Directress or parent suspects a child is having difficulty in the areas of speech, hearing, vision or emotional and behavioral problems, the school may refer you to an outside source for evaluation.

 

Curriculum Information

For more detailed curriculum information, please feel free to contact us.