Our half-day program is from 8am to 12pm and includes classes for ages Toddlers to Primary (18 months – 6 yrs.). For a brief description of what’s included by age group/class, see below.
Half-day program also includes the following:
- Included in your tuition: Yoga, Spanish, Music, Chinese, P.E. (Varies by age)
- School prepared lunch and snacks are provided.
- Option to enroll in the Extra Curricular Activities at an extra cost: Ballet, Tap & Hip-hop, Chinese, Music & Soccer.
- Summer Program is Optional (TUITION IS NOT PRORATED DURING THE MONTHS OF AUGUST TO MAY).
Toddler Class (18 Months – 23 Months)
Children ages 18 to 23 months are part of the Toddlers’ Program. This Program prepares the child for the Transition Class. The curriculum for toddlers is based on a well prepared environment with activities in different areas such as:
- Language: The program accommodates the child’s sensitive period of language by offering creative material and picture classified cards that contribute to the expansion of growing vocabularies. The teachers build vocabulary by reading stories, singing songs and preparing for the teaching of the initial sounds with a phonetic approach, establishing the beginning of our reading program. Also, these exercises contribute to the preparation for initial penmanship, by giving the child the opportunity to practice how to hold the pencil. All these exercises are a natural progression at this age level.
- Mathematics: The concept of quantity and of numeration, counting with manipulative objects from 1 to 10, and recognition of each number as well as initial penmanship of the numbers takes place at this age.
- Sensorial Development: The development of all senses is the primary purpose of this area. Therefore, presentations regarding discrimination of color, size and shape as well as texture, and scent are given and made available in individual sets for the children to work independently.
- Practical Life: This particular area contributes to exercises related the beginning of Care of Self and Care of Environment. The classroom is carefully prepared for each child to have the opportunity to develop these two aspects by emphasizing the work with the dressing frames, hand washing, wiping face, watering plants, dusting, folding etc. Exercises of Grace and Courtesy are very important at this age, including setting the table, table manners, as well as the use of words such as “Please” and “Thank you”. There is an opportunity in the environment for the children to develop large muscle control such as walking, carrying, dancing, etc. The development of small muscle control is developed through a variety of hand-eye coordination exercises, bead-stringing, pegs, puzzles, folding, pouring, spooning and grasping. All kinds of transferring exercises set up for the child to fulfill his/her need for repetition is the characteristic of this particular age.
- Cultural Subjects: Children at this age start to discover the natural aspect of their surroundings and of their environment. The child’s vocabulary is enriched by the work they do through the puzzles relative to the Parts of the Plant, Leaf, and Flower, and external parts of the Fish, Frog, Turtle, Bird and Horse.
Pre-Primary Class (2-3 years)
The Pre-Primary Program is an extension of the Toddler Program. Children age 2 to 3 years are part of this program. The Montessori Curriculum formally starts in this class. The environment is very carefully prepared and divided into centers such as Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Cultural Subjects, Cultural Subjects Puzzles, Art and Manipulative materials designed to prepare the child for more abstract thinking and learning. A consistent routine of work is established with the purpose to guide and fulfill the needs children have at this age. Our carefully prepared environment allows them to have a positive experience and the opportunity to develop self-discipline and concentration.
- Toilet training is a fundamental aspect of this program. Children at this age are more sensitive and aware of the control of their body. Therefore, they contribute very willingly to the process of Toilet Training, which is a criteria for children to be promoted into the Primary class.
- The Montessori Teacher is very much aware of the particular needs this stage of growth requires and Riverchase Montessori is glad to provide the environment in which the needs of your child can be met in a natural and rational manner.
- The main focus of this program is: Order in the environment, respect for others, good manners and social skills, personal cleanliness, control of movement, repetition of the exercises, training of the senses, preparation for reading ,writing and math, and toilet training.
Primary to Pre-K/Kindergarten Class (3-6 years)
Children ages 3 to 5 are part of this program. The beginning process of phonetic reading formally begins at this phase. It is at this age when children, once they master to speak, start enjoying to read in an effortless manner. Montessori schools are characterized by this distinctive and unique philosophy of “children learning to read and write at an early age”.
Beginning at age 3 and completely toilet trained; the children are invited to work independently in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Subjects. All the material the child works with is designed to lead the child towards abstract thinking.
- The Montessori teacher facilitates the lessons and classroom activities in order to help each child progress from one activity to another. The teacher is trained to work with each child individually, allowing the child to choose and to work on something while observing the child’s progress and/or difficulties. This gives each child the satisfaction of their own efforts and a feeling of accomplishment and pride when completing a task.
- Dr. Montessori outlines various periods of Sensitivity, in which a child is more able and motivated to learn reading, writing, math, and order effortlessly. Teachers are very much aware of these Sensitive Periods and encourage the children to develop these skills during these periods.
- The age range of 3 to 5 years in this program is based on Maria Montessori’s philosophy. She recognized the spontaneous interest that arises within each child at this age. It is through the child’s interest and active engagement, the acknowledgment of his/her efforts that the love of learning takes place.
- This is also the beginning of the social phase in the child’s development. Wonderful experiences take place in this phase of development. Children have achieved the concentration and the attention span as well as the self-confidence needed while learning. They learn by imitating others, specially their peers, and love to continue learning new concepts in different areas.
- Children take home their work every Friday in order to communicate to you the progression that is taking place weekly. They also take their napping blanket, pillow etc., to be washed at home. The folder, blanket, pillows etc. are to be returned to their class the following Monday.
