Curriculum Differences from Mainstream Education

Traditional daycare or education from the ages of 2.5 to 6 focuses on either play at the exclusion of didactic instruction, or on the deposit of information into children who are seen as blank slates. Montessori education sidesteps both these options, instead providing children with holistic education that is based not on desired outcomes, but on scientifically backed day-to-day observations of the true needs of children. The Prepared Environment serves as the teacher for the child, and the Guide as a dynamic link to connect the child to it. Children are offered fundamentals in the areas of Practical Life, Culture, Language, Math, and Sensory Refinement, and begin to tie these aspects of their work together over their 3+ years in the Primary classroom.

This means that each child is working individually on their understanding through physical materials. We do not generally facilitate whole-group lessons or activities. Children are guided individually through their education, with large leaps happening as knowledge coalesces at key times. This learning often looks slow in the first year or two, with children spending their time scrubbing tables, learning letter sounds instead of names, or refining their sense of hearing as opposed to verbally reciting the noises of farm animals. However, by their third (and sometimes fourth) year in Primary, children have the groundwork to do complex work far beyond their peers in traditional education. Materials offered in Primary encompass TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) up through 3rd grade. Children nearing the end of their Primary journey at age 6 may work with the four mathematical operations into the thousands place, prepare a batch of muffins independently, support younger peers as they integrate into the classroom, analyze a sentence and identify the functions of words therein, compose and notate a song, tie their own shoes, and create intricate and precise geometric designs. Patience is key as your child’s Lead Guide works with your child to lay the proper foundation for this expansive work in the coming years of their Primary journey.

Images below are from our actual classroom shelves.

The Primary Montessori Curriculum is intended to span across 3-4 years at the child's pace.  Below is a chart created by Amanda Bryant to show how our curriculum exceeds traditional Texas PreK and Kindergarten Standards.  Children are not limited by our individualized curriculum.

Toileting Differences from Mainstream Education

In our Nido and Toddler program, children begin the process of toilet awareness and independence earlier than in other programs. From the time your baby begins with us, we use factual, non-judgmental language regarding their elimination. This includes the real words for their body parts, as well as preferring the terms “bowel movement” and “urine” over less specific language. Guides in the classroom avoid using negative language like “yucky” or “stinky” when changing infants, instead using objective language to describe the process of diapering. Parents supply all diapers and wipes for their child. A note will be sent on Transparent Classroom when your child is running low on supplies.

Once your child learns to stand, they will begin wearing training underwear in the indoor environment. Where regular diapers wick away wetness, ensuring that the child remains unaware that they’ve eliminated, underwear allows the child to see and feel the results of elimination. When they are wet or soiled, we change them immediately, in accordance with Texas Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers. When it is time to change your child’s underwear, the process will take place standing up, allowing for enhanced participation and independence in the process. During the change, we will draw their attention to the feeling of wetness. This allows the child to begin mentally connecting the feeling of urinating or defecating to the wet or soiled feeling that comes after, which is a vital first step in toilet independence. After being cleaned, your child will be offered the opportunity to sit on a potty chair or toilet, building familiarity with the toileting process. Infants over 12 months old will transition to being in underwear full time. Please try to attend our Toileting Workshop to learn more!