A Typical Day
A Typical Day
Children are able to choose work that excites them and are free to work with the material until they have derived a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The Montessori materials promote repetition, exploration, and independent learning.
Morning
Class begins for all children at 8:45 AM. Lessons are given to children individually, in small groups, and to the class as a whole. Children may move about the classroom freely and work with any Montessori material in which they have been given a lesson. They work independently or with other children as their interest leads them or as they are directed. Art, music, geography, and science are interwoven into many of the materials and are a natural part of each day. A snack is provided during the morning hours. Weather permitting, there is a short recess time before noon dismissal.
Lunch time
All children staying past noon bring their own lunches from home. Microwaves are available to warm food. It is encouraged to send lunches in containers that are easily opened by the child. Independence and self-help skills are promoted during meal times. Children set out their own placemats and lunches, throw away their own trash, and clean up after themselves as needed. After lunch all children take recess, either outside or in the Before/After Care room.
During the afternoon, the older children return to their classrooms for an additional work period. The younger children nap/rest on a cot in the Before/Aftercare Room from 1:30-3:00 while listening to a story. Weather permitting, all children staying after 3:00 go outside to play. Around 4:00 a snack is served. The remainder of the afternoon is spent playing outdoors or inside the Before/Aftercare Room.