Thursday, June 5, 2014

Is my child ready for Kindergarten/First Grade?

Alignment of Common Core Standards?  Montessori is already there!
Is my child ready for Kindergarten/First Grade?
One of the most frequent questions teachers hear is "Is my child ready for Kindergarten?"
Considering that Kindergarten teachers simply ask that a child can sit still at circle and write their first and last name with a capitol letter at the beginning of Kindergarten, well the simple answer is Yes!  Montessori four year olds far exceed most expectations in the second year of Montessori education.
Can you imagine what a child who stays in a Montessori class for three years is capable of ?​
Let's review the Common Core Standards for the end of Kindergarten and find the counterpart in the Montessori classroom:
Kindergarten Learning OutcomeMontessori Materials
Ability to wait and listenPractical Life, Circle Time, Walking the Line, Sensorial, Grace and Courtesy
Emotional developmentMixed-age grouping, independence, problem solving (conflict resolution), Grace and Courtesy
Oral Language DevelopmentConversations with adults and peers, Circle, informal and spontaneous conversation, Language and Sensorial
Language-prewriting  Pencil gripTransferring activities, Pin pushing, Easel, Sandpaper letters, Scissors, Metal Insets, Knobbed Cylinders, Sand Tray, Classroom library
Language-prereadingSequencing, Patterning, Sandpaper letters, Moveable Alphabet, nomenclature 3-part cards, picture-word matching, phonics instruction
Art DevelopmentSensorial (color tablets and recognition), quality art materials, literature, process vs. product, nomenclature cards.
Environmental AwarenessMontessori Cultural Curriculum and maps, Geography lessons, stories, celebrations, daily schedule, circle time, Grace and Courtesy
Print AwarenessClassroom library, story time, direct instruction, Independent reading, Language cards, 3part nomenclature cards.
Speaking audibly, expressing thoughts,  and ideas clearlyGrace and Courtesy, Social interactions, The Question Game, reading.
Addition and SubtractionNumber Rods, Addition and Subtraction Boards, Stamp Game, Golden Beads, equation papers