Children’s House
Early Childhood: PreK–Kindergarten

Montessori math materials help children build a strong understanding of numbers through hands-on learning. Using engaging, multi-sensory materials, children explore number relationships, patterns, and basic operations such as addition and subtraction, while developing an early understanding of place value.

Concepts are introduced in a clear, sequential way, moving from simple to more complex ideas. As a result, children build confidence, develop fluency with numbers, and apply their skills in meaningful ways. By the end of the Children’s House program, most children understand numbers into the thousands, with many ready to explore more advanced concepts.

The language program supports the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through a hands-on approach. Using Montessori materials, children learn letter sounds, recognize words, and begin to read and write with growing confidence.

They are introduced to a variety of rich, engaging books that match their developmental stage, helping to foster a love of reading. A structured, phonics-based approach supports early literacy and gives children the tools they need to become confident, capable readers and writers.

The Cultural Studies curriculum introduces children to science and geography in ways that spark curiosity and wonder. Through hands-on exploration, children learn about the natural world: observing plants and animals, exploring the seasons and weather, and noticing patterns in their environment.

Using materials such as globes and puzzle maps, children begin to understand the continents of the world and the countries within them. Through guest visits and continued exploration, they deepen their understanding of the world and develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of life.

The Practical Life area helps children learn everyday skills they see in the adult world around them. Through activities like preparing food and caring for themselves and their environment, they practice completing tasks step by step.

These experiences foster a sense of order while building independence, confidence, and self-esteem. As children repeat these activities, they strengthen concentration, coordination, and their ability to take on new challenges. This foundation lays the groundwork for success in all areas of learning.

Children discover the world around them through their senses. Montessori sensorial materials invite them to slow down, focus, and notice details more carefully. As they work with these materials, children learn to sort, compare, and describe qualities such as length, height, temperature, color, and texture.

Through this exploration, children begin to organize and make sense of what they experience, connecting new information to what they already know. This process builds a strong foundation for problem-solving and decision-making while strengthening both thinking and language skills.

Social and emotional learning helps children build self-awareness, manage their emotions, and develop positive relationships. These skills support a safe, supportive environment where each child feels valued and connected.

Children practice these skills every day through greetings, learning about personal space, building friendships, resolving conflicts, and developing coping strategies. Lessons are woven into stories, role-playing, activities, and conversations.

We also emphasize grace and courtesy, guiding children to treat others with kindness and respect – an essential part of life at Oak Meadow. This peaceful classroom environment supports focus while building confidence and independence.

Children learn to resolve conflicts calmly and work together to care for their classroom, developing a sense of responsibility for their community and the world around them. Through guest visits and stories of historical peacemakers, they are introduced to different perspectives and the importance of living peacefully with others.

Our hope is that every Oak Meadow graduate carries these values with them throughout their lives.

We prioritize outdoor play, giving children space to move freely, play together, and use their imaginations. Time outside encourages physical activity while creating natural opportunities for social connection.

Whether climbing, exploring, or playing games, children build important skills while enjoying the outdoors. Outdoor play supports physical health and fosters creativity and teamwork, making it an essential part of their daily experience.

Art in Children’s House is a hands-on, process-centered experience that reflects Montessori values of independence, exploration, and joyful learning. Children are invited to engage with materials as tools for discovery, emphasizing curiosity and creative thinking over a finished product. In the first and second year, children explore foundational elements of art including line, color, texture, and form through experiences such as printmaking, collage, watercolor, sculpture, and mixed-media work. These activities support fine motor development while encouraging children to test ideas, solve problems, and build confidence through repetition and choice. In the third year, children deepen their artistic practice through purposeful drawing, observational studies, and artist-inspired projects that foster focus, intention, and compositional awareness. Children learn to care for materials, make thoughtful choices, and express ideas visually. Whether working independently or collaboratively, students develop confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of themselves as imaginative, capable artists connected to their world.

The Children’s House Music & Drama curriculum emphasizes group singing and movement, rhythmic training, individual confidence, and imaginative play. Classes incorporate songs and dances from cultural traditions worldwide. Through solfège singing and rhythmic games, students gain confidence to sing alone in front of others and to read and write simple rhythms. Musical instruments from around the world are introduced in hands-on lessons, which include discussion of instrument materials and how sound is produced. Students enjoy performing and song-leading at school assemblies on occasion. In the Spring Term, Children’s House classes participate in Storybook Theatre, a Drama unit in which we rehearse and perform beloved picture books.

Nature learning in Children’s House invites children to explore the outdoors through play-based experiential learning. Throughout the year, children engage in seasonal studies that deepen their understanding of plants, animals, and natural systems. Gardening experiences introduce seeds, roots, stems, and healthy growth as children plant seeds and care for the school garden. Forestry studies focus on the parts of trees and the role roots play in stability and nourishment, while early comparisons of native and invasive species build ecological awareness. In ornithology, children become young birders, learning to identify common birds by sight and sound while exploring migration and nesting habits outdoors. Entomology studies guide children in gently handling insects, fostering respect and curiosity while discovering that even the creepiest crawlies are far less frightening than they first appear. Nature work also supports practical life and motor development as children use garden tools, handle insects with care, and explore nature. Through joyful outdoor exploration, children develop curiosity, independence, and a lasting connection to the natural world.

Children’s House Spanish introduces language in a joyful, natural way through songs, stories, movement, and play. Using a Comprehensible Input approach, children are immersed in clear, meaningful Spanish that connects to their everyday experiences. Each class follows familiar routines, greeting one another and naming the day, weather, and season, which helps children feel confident and comfortable using Spanish as part of their daily rhythm. Through interactive games, storytelling, and music, children explore vocabulary related to classroom life, emotions, numbers, colors, family, animals, food, and the natural world. Stories and songs invite listening, repetition, gestures, and active participation at each child’s own pace. Movement-based activities support comprehension while encouraging joyful collaboration. Over time, children develop strong listening skills, recognize familiar words, follow simple instructions, and begin expressing themselves in Spanish, building a foundation rooted in curiosity, connection, and delight.