Preschool and Kindergarten

Upon entering the Preschool/Kindergarten classroom, visitors are often struck by the hum of quiet activity; three to six year olds busily taking materials off the shelves to explore and on completion, returning them; teachers interacting one-on-one with each child in turn while the others, autonomously carry on their "work" for the day. The atmosphere is peaceful, kind, and respectful, with most participants doing something quite different from each other, but all self-directed and productive.

The Montessori philosophy is one in which children are allowed to develop themselves at their own pace in a non-competitive atmosphere. It allows for freedom of choice and movement in an environment that has been especially prepared to encourage self-direction and independence. In this way they are allowed to develop and educate themselves toward their unknown potential in a way that is in harmony with their individual nature. Through the process of modeling by the teacher, respect for self, others and the environment, both immediate and global are encouraged in the child.

An element unique to the Montessori method is the emphasis on the "prepared environment". It is a place where children can learn to do things without the immediate help of adults. The prepared classroom contains the materials specifically designed to assist your child in their development and to be their own teacher. In this environment, your child learns not only the aim of the individual material but also independence, self-discipline and responsibility. Through interaction with the materials and others in the classroom, your child learns about community, responsibility and natural consequences. The materials in each of the five areas of the environment are sequenced in order of difficulty and follow the sequence of natural development in all children. Each child works their way through this sequence in their own time according to the natural process of their own unfolding.

Following a school-wide gathering, "morning assembly" all children return to their classrooms for a short circle-time, then a long uninterrupted work period of 11/2 - 2 hours. Before noon each room gathers once more to get ready for lunch. After lunch, the children that are here for half day go home, and the rest continue their day with a recess time, outside if weather permits. In the afternoon, all children return to their classrooms for another period of self-directed work time. One day a week each classroom has a music lesson; Spanish and sign language are integrated into our daily morning assembly time.

The curriculum is holistic, beginning with a look at ourselves; our parts, our bodies and our feelings. In the late fall we begin a study of cultures with an emphasis on holidays. We talk about the beliefs and stories that began these celebrations and explore differences and commonalties between our culture and others around the world. Upon returning from winter break, we look at the physical world and our place within it. From the solar system to our smallest communities, it is an expansive ever changing journey; with side trips along the way getting to know about dinosaurs, volcanoes, sea-life and Washington State. Art, History, Zoology and Botany are interwoven through out the school year complementing the above mentioned curriculum.

Preschool activities: games and coloring pages for printing out

Kindergarten activities: coloring pages for printing out