Our classes are based on the guidelines of AMI (Association Montessori International).  The younger children come for the morning session and the older children attend for the full day. The morning class time includes a 2½-3 hour work period.  Children typically choose a variety of activities throughout the curriculum. The Montessori guide (teacher) gives lessons to individual children or to small groups during work time.   At the end of the morning work period, the class gathers together for circle activities and outdoor play. Then the younger children go home.

The afternoon session for ages 4½ to 6 is an important part of the Montessori program because it gives the older students a chance for more lessons and practice with advanced learning materials. The afternoon includes lunch, outdoor play time, a group time with stories, music or a new presentation, and individual work time. The afternoon is the older students' time to develop more advanced skills and make discoveries about the world. A favorite advanced activity is the golden bead chain (30’ long!), from which children learn about numbers and their relationships.  The children love to lay out, count, and label each tenth bead, up to 1000.  Children might also be involved with maps, reading, writing, or researching and preparing science experiments.  These activities build the older children's academic skills.  The kindergarten year in our Montessori classroom is especially rewarding, helping students develop the concentration, work habits, social skills, and self esteem that will serve them throughout their lives.

Our Montessori class serves children from 2½ -6 years of age.  The mixed age class becomes a community that supports the peer learning and social cohesion that are central to the Montessori experience.  The older children develop confidence, a helpful outlook, and stronger academic and social skills as they relate with the younger ones.  We encourage families to stay through the kindergarten year to optimize the learning experience and personal benefits for their child.

(360) 779-1225      3805 NE Sawdust Hill Rd.   Poulsbo, WA 98370      Copyright 2007