Classroom

A typical day at Parkside includes both group and individual activities. In the early part of each 2 1/2 hour session we have what we call Circle. Circle is a time for greeting, sharing, listening and demonstrating.

During Work Time the students perform their chosen activities on their own, with a friend or in small groups. The teachers continually observe the students, work with them one-on-one and help them interact with the prepared environment as well as each other in a positive and productive way.

Materials are available each day for drawing, painting, cutting, pasting and sculpting in clay. Our music program includes singing, dancing, games, recorded and live music. Our art and music activities reflect seasonal and holiday celebrations.

The Practical Life area includes washing and polishing activities, food preparation, spooning, pouring, buttoning, zipping, snapping, etc. These activities internalize the child’s sense of order and offer the opportunity for the motor skill refinement and the concentrated activity which are necessary for later reading and writing.

The highly developed Cognitive area of the curriculum includes concrete reading and math readiness materials.

The Sensorial area offers materials that serve to enhance visual and aural discrimination, sense of size, shape, color, as well as large and small motor control.

We also go out each day for exercise and socializing in our playground, weather permitting.

Full Day sessions run from 9:00 to 3:00.

Morning sessions run from 9:00 to 11:30.

The Lunch hour is from 11:30 to 12:30.

Lunch is optional for half day students. It can be added to either a morning or afternoon half day session.

The Afternoon session runs from 12:30 to 3:00.

Parkside also offers extended care that can be added. Early, 8:00 to 9:00 am and Late, 3:00 to 3:30 pm

Learning for children is natural, effortless and fun. At Parkside the students move about in a prepared environment choosing, both on their own and with teacher involvement, activities that they are ready to master and which they greatly enjoy.

The Montessori equipment is designed to be attractive and interesting to them. The environment allows them to grow into confident and independent learners by working hands-on with developmentally appropriate materials.

Parkside students attend either half or whole day sessions. Our day is broken into morning and afternoon sessions.