A Growing Place Montessori School is a very warm and loving school. The one rule for the children is that we don't touch each other without asking and we don't touch each other's work without asking. This way children feel secure in their own space and share it of their own choice. The session ends with songs and a story, and always "one more hug from Laurie". Here children identify the day, month, year, and the weather. English isn't the only language we use; we count and greet each other with simple phrases in a different language each month. The group time ends with the children going to the many materials available in the different areas of the classroom. In one area children might choose hands-on materials that will help them build the skills for daily living. In another there are classification materials that attract the child to explore the concepts of color, shape, size, and form. In yet other areas of the classroom, children are introduced to basic elements of language development, reading, mathematics, and fun activities in science, geography, and art. ...read more