We are pleased to announce that The Cornerstone Montessori School's Toddler program will begin in September of 2008. The toddler atmosphere provides a caring and nurturing environment for children 18- to 36- months-old. This is the period of the child’s life when the foundation of learning is formed. Innately curious, toddlers need and want to explore the environment with all of the senses. The children have daily opportunities for language development, practical life, grace and courtesy, music, nature and movement. The toddler’s strong sense of autonomy is encouraged and self-esteem is enhanced through social experiences. This is a great time for the toddler to gain self-confidence and trust with peers as well as teachers.
Primary
The Cornerstone Montessori School currently has two Primary classrooms, each serving children from three- to six-years old. The mixed-age grouping allows the children to learn from one another, promoting a sense of community and respect. The students choose their work and progress as they become ready, always gently guided by the Directress. It is truly an experience to "follow the child." The three-year cycle is completed with the Kindergarten year, the time when the two previous years of lessons come together and inspires them to seek their biggest challenges. Our Primary classes will not have more than 19 students at one time, and maintains a balance between age groups.
Lower Elementary
The Lower Elementary program is the next step in Montessori education. The three-year cycle is designed to introduce the students to a well-rounded curriculum including science, culture, social studies, mathematics and language studies, similar to that of a traditional academic program, but presented using the Montessori method. Students progress when they have mastered a skill and have demonstrated their readiness for the next level of study. They work both independently and as a group, and provide support for each other in their individual challenges.
Special Instruction
Cornerstone Montessori offers children the experience to learn not only in their daily classrooms, but also through special instruction. Our children participate weekly in the following activities:
Art: The children develop their creative skills using a varity of media, often corresponding to a unit of study in the classroom or specific to the seasons. The lessons are age-appropriate and designed keeping in mind different levels of skill. The older students learn about specific styles and artists, and use their knowledge to create their own masterpieces. The younger children learn more basic techniques, using their imaginations to guide them. Often they focus more on the process than the final product!
Music: Our music program is lead by Anna Nurmi. Miss Anna introduces music and instruments from around the world, and gives the children the opportunity to hear a wide variety of cultural music, as well as traditional children's songs.
Creative Movement: Creative Movement gives the children an opportunity to exercise in a creative and purposeful way. Cornerstone children participate in the Kid Fit program, which focuses not only on exercise, but also on nutrition, their bones and muscles, and how to make healthy choices. They practice basic yoga techniques, play movement games and burn up some of their youthful energy!
Spanish: Our Spanish program is full immersion. The children hear and speak only Spanish during their classes. They learn simple conversation and vocabulary, and lessons are often centered around the morning snack, a perfect time to practice manners and courtesy. They also play games using the vocabulary they are learning. Our elementary students have Spanish lunch once each week, allowing them to engage in purposeful conversation during their meal.
We have many outings throughout the year, such as our school-wide trips to Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA. Most family members have attended as well, and we encourage parents and siblings to join us for the trips. The Kindergarten class has a few of their own trips, visiting places such as the Kennedy Center, Curiosity Zone and Mount Vernon. Our Lower Elementary students followed up their units of study with trips to the Air and Space Museum, and the Oakton High School Planetarium.
