The topics chosen are an extension of work that children have been doing in their classrooms over the prior two years. There is flexibility in the curriculum so that the teachers are able to respond to the interests of the group and to explore an area of interest in more depth. Each year is unique because of the makeup of the classes and the individual personalities of the children.
General Curriculum Schedule:
September [first two weeks of Kindergarten]
Orientation
General presentations on setting up for lunch, cleaning up
after the meal, and getting to know each other and our selves.
September–November
All About Me: Health, Nutrition, and the Human Body
This unit focuses on healthy habits, the food pyramid, and
the complexities of the human body. The children will practice tooth brushing,
learn to make healthy food choices, and identify the skeletal, respiratory,
circulatory, and nervous systems in their bodies.
November-December
The Solar System
The study of the solar system includes learning about
galaxies, our Milky Way, inner and outer planets, gas giants, moons, asteroids,
astronauts, and space exploration.
January-February
The Timeline of Life on Earth
Our research of the earth includes the earth’s layers, volcanoes,
and Pangaea. An in depth study of the Montessori science curriculum from living
and non-living through vertebrates
and invertebrates, ending in mammals and early man.
March-May
World Cultures
This unit begins with an in-depth look at Native Americans
then continues on to other world cultures, life styles, dress, weather, indigenous
animals, foods, and major historical markers of each continent.
The schedule may vary slightly based on the interests of the
children. Throughout the year there are cooking projects, field trips, art
projects, and guest presenters associated with the particular units being
studied. If parents have a profession or area of interest related to these units,
we welcome you to plan time to visit and share with the children.