Preschool Program
For children 3-6 years of age
The preschool multi-age classroom is composed of children 3 to 6 years of age. The children gain a sense of order, develop concentration and motor skills in a prepared environment. The teacher is guided by the child and develops a work plan tailored to each child’s interests and level of ability. Following the Montessori Method of education, our curriculum inspires independent thinking and builds a solid foundation in key areas of study.
| Program options: |
| 5 Days 8:30 – 12:20 3 Days 8:30 – 2:15 and 2 Days 8:30 – 12:20 5 Days 8:30 -2:15 5 Days 7:30 – 5:45 with expanded calendar |
The Prepared Montessori Environment
The child is given freedom of choice and movement within a carefully prepared environment. The teachers guide each child to explore and develop at his/her own pace.
The areas of learning in the classroom include:
- Grace and Courtesy – Students learn to treat others and the environment with kindness, respect and gratitude.
- Practical life – the children learn skills to care for themselves and the environment.
- Sensorial – children learn through the five senses.
- Math – the materials enable children to understand concepts through concrete explorations.
- Language – the phonetic approach to reading begins with the sandpaper letters which identify each letter’s sound and shape. Tracing each letter helps train the muscles needed for writing.
- Peace – children learn to solve conflicts in a peaceful way.
- Nature – The children learn not to fear nature and to be respectful to all living things.
- Geography, science, music, art and gym complete the classroom.
The aim of the program is to help the child develop all aspects of his/her personality by fostering independence, confidence, concentration, self-motivation and a love of learning.
One of the hallmarks of The Albrook School is our commitment to developing our students’ respect and compassion for themselves and others. Our peace curriculum celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and teaches good citizenship through in-class presentations, school-wide activities, and community based service projects. As global citizens, our students understand that we are all connected and are dedicated to making the world a better place. Our social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum values the growth and development of our student’s self-esteem, ability to manage emotions, and capacity to show empathy for others. Teachers integrate SEL instruction and activities into the daily routine through mindfulness exercises, group and individual discussions, literature, and role modeling.
The Afternoon Program
In the afternoon, the Pre-K 1, Pre-K 2 and Kindergarten students work within their age groups. Teachers present developmentally appropriate lessons and activities designed to reinforce the skills introduced in the morning program.
Our Pre-K 1 curriculum is designed to strengthen fine motor skills, cultivate language and literacy development, foster concentration, and promote independence and socialization. Through lessons on botany, zoology, and geography students learn to respect nature and all living things. In addition, they utilize The Albrook School library.
Pre-K 2 students continue to build on the skills introduced in the Pre-K 1 program. Handwriting, reading comprehension, and visual discrimination exercises are integrated in thematic units of study, that include the solar system and the human body, as well as botany and zoology. Students receive instruction in computers, music, Spanish, art and drama. They also utilize The Albrook School library.
The Albrook School kindergarten program promotes independence, critical thinking, and instills in our students an enthusiasm for learning. Students learn through exploration, hands-on activities, and discovery. The curriculum includes thematic units that integrate literature and reading comprehension, handwriting, math, science, geography, and history, as well as botany and zoology. As the older children in our multi-age classroom, our kindergarten students practice their leadership skills and act as mentors to the younger students. Students gain an awareness of the world and learn to care about others with a community service project. Enrichment subjects include computer, music, Spanish, art, library and drama. The drama program culminates with a play at the end of the school year.
