Dr. Montessori saw that children had similar abilities and interests based on their ages. She arranged the groups of children in Montessori schools based on these characteristics. When choosing a Montessori education for your child it is vitally important to take this view of early childhood development into consideration. Teachers in a Montessori classroom engage with their students on a daily basis but their vision for each child is that of a long-term process of growth over time.

The three year cycle is an essential element of Montessori education. Allowing children to stay in the same Montessori environment with the same group of children and teachers through the full three year cycle is critical. Teachers and children build a very strong, stable and consistent community in the classroom. Children can concentrate on the learning process without a transition and adjustment to a new teacher and new environment. Our teachers are able to make strong connections with children during these several years and give them better support based on their individual needs.

During these three years children experience different roles, responsibilities and expectations. The first year children are beginners. They not only get lessons from teachers, but also learn from the older students by observing and listening to their work. With the help of the older children, younger children usually learn quickly and enthusiastically. The second year children are more independent and comfortable in the classroom. They learn how to interact with both older ones and younger ones, while developing their knowledge and skills in all different areas. The third year children have the unique opportunity to be role models and community leaders. Their knowledge is reinforced and practicing and sharing with the younger children strengthens their skills.

A mixed age group environment also contributes to the moral development of children as they learn and practice respecting others, being sensitive to their needs, and to collaborate and build a community spirit.

The third year children excel in our classrooms, and experience the full benefit of Montessori education. As an authentic Montessori school, we are committed to offering the best possible Montessori education to each child. During the admission process all prospective parents are asked to commit to the three year cycle in the Montessori environment. This gives your child the best possible opportunity to gain the most benefit they can in our program.

Understanding More about the Three Year Cycle

Detailed below is an example of a typical cycle of work and concepts in the curriculum for the three year cycle of Children’s House focused around the coordination needed to write well.

The First Year of Children’s House

The first year of children’s house features early lessons in Practical Life. These lessons enable the young child to take care of themselves and their environment. They include lessons in buttoning, zippering and other forms of self-care. Children learn how to move around in and take care of their classroom.

Table Washing:  This exercise is a complex procedure that includes wetting, scrubbing, washing and drying a table. In such an exercise, the children are shown how to arrange the materials in a particular order and are instructed carefully in their use. Each part of the work is oriented from left to right both in terms of how it is arranged and in terms of the movements employed by the children.

The Second Year of Children’s House

Children of this age are still doing exercises of practical life that have grown in complexity. These may include cutting and arranging flowers, small sewing projects and baking. All of these reinforce concepts of order in operations and refinement of gross and fine motor skills.

Metal Insets: This work allows children to practice the precision necessary for writing without having to create written messages with having to plan or spell the writing itself. The work grows steadily more complex over time and eventually the children can create beautiful, original patterned work that engrosses them with the detail they can achieve.

The Third Year of Children’s House

While the third year of Children’s House is considered to be analogous to kindergarten, we can actually go well beyond traditional expectations with work that includes independent and original cursive writing.