Early Childhood: Casa
“It is through appropriate work and activities that the character of the child is transformed. Work influences his development in the same way that food revives the vigor of a starving man. We observe that a child occupied with matters that awaken his interest seems to blossom, to expand, evincing undreamed character traits; his abilities give him great satisfaction, and he smiles with a sweet and joyous smile.”
– Maria Montessori
Children have extraordinary powers of the mind, as they possess a once-in-a-lifetime ability to truly absorb information and concepts from their surroundings, like a sponge. Children learn by doing with their own hands. Independence, coordination, order, self-discipline and concentration are developed. Children work individually and cooperatively with materials that engage their curiosity.
Children in our casa community are engaged peacefully and purposefully in a wide range of activities. We support the childʼs natural drive for independence by encouraging him to choose activities of interest and concentrate without interruption. All the while, the classroom guide is giving academic presentations to independent students or small groups based on independent academic levels while also meeting the needs of the whole group.
Points of Interest
Our casa community has 24 children ranging in age from 3 years through Kindergarten
We maintain the adult to child ratio of 1:12 with a Montessori Guide and one assistant guide.
The casa community is designed to foster independence, social, emotional and academic development.
Spanish is taught weekly and reinforced daily through conversation.
Art and Music are a daily activity within our Montessori environment.
Daily outside time is necessary for all the children, we go outside every day.
We provide nutritional organic lunches and snacks.
Many of the ingredients for our meals, have been grown by the children in our organic gardens.
