Family Preschool (up to 6 years old)

FAMILY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM SCOPE

The Family Preschool’s main purpose is to invite the children to an introductory Christian Montessori setting while engaging the parents in relevant Christian family topics and finally, bringing the parent and child together in meaningful play through music and movement. The children’s classroom for ages 2-6 years has three distinct parts to the morning.

The first and main focus of the morning resides in the use of Godly Play, a religious education to teach children Sacred stories, liturgical Action, stories, and Parables. Godly Play is deeply grounded in our spiritual tradition and offers the child an opportunity to express their faith through “wondering,” the “art response,” and the “meditative way” children retell the stories using beautiful handcrafted materials. The children eat their snack seated in a circle of community and friendship, which Godly Play terms “celebrating the feast,” emphasizing grace and courtesy.

Second, the children work in an inviting setting with Sensory Refinement, Practical Life, Academics, and Cultural Materials. They learn the simple concepts in Montessori such as use of the mat, choosing work, concentration, completing the task, and replacing the work for the next child. This time also involves large motor development with games and activities.

The third and final part of their morning is a joyous reunion with parents for the music and movement called Family Music Time, which incorporates listening, moving, singing, and playing instruments into every class lesson, using a preschool curriculum (“God’s Children Sing.”) , nurturing the spiritual and musical growth of the child. The children participate in a yearly chapel and a musical, as well as other family events.

The Family Preschool also provides a nursery program for the youngest sibling members of the family, birth to 2 year-olds. The babies and toddlers will be given an opportunity to work in a gentle learning setting. The use of small wooden toys, little tables, and child-sized chairs gives the toddler a feeling of self-accomplishment and success. The babies are cared for an appropriate way as well, as their needs are met on an individual basis.