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EARLY CHILDHOOD

3 to 6 years

The Early Childhood Curriculum for children ages 3 to 6 includes:

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  • English and Spanish Language Arts

  • Mathematics 

  • Practical Life

  • Sensorial Understanding

  • Culturals: Sciences, History, Computer, Art, Music and Physical Education.

 

This age level can be referred to as Children's House, Primary, or the Early Childhood Program. 

The Early Childhood Program at Castle Island is truly a gift to your child. Also known as the “Children’s House” and designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years old, it is an opportunity to nurture their individual development within the context of a group setting.

 

The result? Self-confidence, joy and a lifelong love of learning.

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It’s a Mixed-Age Classroom

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Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed-age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills and responsibility by setting an example for her younger friends.

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The Gift of Choice

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Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it and perfect it.

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A Deep Connection Between Teacher and Child

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Our AMS credentialed teachers, or guides, choose this career because of their love for children and dedication to the Montessori philosophy and method. Their depth of training and knowledge is amplified by the joyful and deep relationship they develop with your child throughout the three-year journey together.

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Child Centered (Not Teacher Centered)

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Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our Primary program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.

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Beautiful Hands-On Materials Help Your Child Learn

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The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, he develops a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

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Group Activities and Play

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While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.

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One Size Does Not Fit All

 

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to her ability, not to a generic standard.

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Early Childhood: A Three-Year Program

 

Our guides (teachers) put tremendous care and attention to detail into the classroom with low shelves, beautiful artwork, books and cultural items of interest to pique your child’s interest and stimulate his senses. The children, ages 3 to 6 years old, respond by developing a sense of classroom ownership and a drive to care for it, further deepening the bonds of the community and their quest to learn.

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Essential Skills for a Successful Life

 

The Early Childhood Program is designed to help your child become his best self. Through “grace and courtesy” activities, we teach your child how to solve conflicts, how to act politely in social situations and how to be kind and helpful to friends. Children must be independent with toileting as a prerequisite for attendance.

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Kindergarten Included

 

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Early Childhood Program classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. She is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. She learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. She leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting and boundless. At this point, she is ready to move up to the Elementary Program, for children from the ages of 6 to 12.

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Children must be independent with toileting as a prerequisite for attendance.

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