Smooth Transitions: Preparing for the First Day of Montessori School

As parents get ready to send children to their first day of Montessori school, they can easeanxieties and establish routines to help with a smooth transition. As the first day approaches,parents themselves can model excitement for starting this new phase of life by knowing thatCountry Montessori School (CMS) is more than just a school—we’re a community that supportsfamilies in raising confident, curious, and capable learners.

At Country Montessori School, we provide an authentic Montessori experience based on Dr.Montessori’s principles and the American Montessori Society (AMS) standards. The MontessoriMethod is a child-centered educational philosophy emphasizing hands-on, self-paced, andcollaborative learning in a prepared environment. Country Montessori School is dedicated toproviding children an education based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles focusing on theintellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development of each child.

The American Montessori Society offers a few tips for parents to prepare their child for theMontessori classroom. Before the school year begins, parents and their new student may havehad the chance to view a CMS classroom. They will see a room designed especially forchildren, with areas for different activities and a calm, uncluttered environment.

Parents are encouraged to create a similar environment at home, with clutter-free areas for rest,self-care, and dressing. Child-sized furniture and closets encourage independent choices andtidying, and baskets can help young children put away toys and clothing on their own.

Before the first day of school, parents can also talk to and show their children what they canexpect in school. A Montessori classroom supports a child’s drive to do things alone, allowingthem to develop confidence. Parents can practice this at home by letting children do small tasksaround the house, beginning to give the child a sense that they can do things by themselves.Practicing preparing their own school lunch and even carrying it with them on a family errand ortrip to the park. Letting them to dress themselves are both great ways to begin introducingindependence into their daily routine.

Routines are a big part of the Montessori method. Parents have likely already established dailyactivities for their children, such as a consistent bedtime routine. Talk to your children about theimportance of routines and how they establish a sense of order and predictability, setting astage for the growth of confidence and independence.

A Montessori environment is language-rich and filled with books and other opportunities to allowchildren to develop vocabulary and imagination. Parents can encourage a love of reading bysharing books with children and reading to them.

Finally, parents can rely on their child’s Montessori-credentialed teacher for input and feedbackon how to continue the classroom experience at home. Because of their training and our lowstudent-to-teacher ratios, teachers recognize each child’s needs according to age, ability, andinterests and can guide individual progress.

We welcome new students and families to Country Montessori School in August. If you are aparent of a young child and are interested in the Montessori method, contact CMS for a tour andsee what Montessori is all about!

Country Montessori School serves children ages 2.6 to 11 years in its Early Childhood(Preschool and Kindergarten), for Lower Elementary (ages 6-9) and Upper Elementary (ages 9-12) programs.

Visit our Instagram account to see activities at our school.

To learn more, Country Montessori School can be reached at (858) 673-1756. The school islocated at 12642 Monte Vista Road, Poway, CA, 92064.Check out our informational video athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-h20t0BiqI