As parents, we naturally want to ensure our children are socially engaged and surrounded by peers. So when the kindergarten group begins to feel “too small,” it’s understandable that some families start to worry. But in Montessori—and particularly in a small, nurturing school community like ours—this year is about something much deeper than numbers. It’s about the powerful, internal work a child is ready to do, and the confidence they build when given the time... READ MORE

Have you ever watched a toddler insist on doing something “all by myself”? That little spark of independence isn’t just cute—it’s a glimpse into their natural drive to explore, learn, and make choices. And in a world that demands adaptability and problem-solving more than ever, nurturing that independence from the start is one of the best gifts we can give our children. In many traditional classrooms, children are told what to do and when... READ MORE

From the moment children begin to speak, we often find ourselves simplifying language to make it more accessible—using words like “doggie,” “birdie,” or “truck.” While this instinct comes from a place of care, Montessori education takes a different approach. Even with our youngest learners, we intentionally use precise, real-world language to build a strong foundation for cognitive development, vocabulary, and curiosity about the world. Take dogs, for example. Rather than referring to every dog on... READ MORE

In a Montessori environment—and at home— mealtimes are far more than moments to eat. They are rich opportunities for toddlers to build independence, responsibility, and a sense of community. At Countryside, we invite even our youngest children to take part in every step of the mealtime process. From setting the table and preparing food to pouring water and wiping spills, toddlers are active participants in creating a shared dining experience. These daily routines help... READ MORE

Parents new to Montessori often ask, “Why is my child washing cloths at school?” or “What’s the purpose of all this polishing and scrubbing?” At first glance, practical life activities may seem simple—even mundane. But in a Montessori classroom, they are deeply intentional, serving as the foundation for a child’s development across many areas. Dr. Maria Montessori observed that young children are naturally driven to engage in real, purposeful work. They want to imitate... READ MORE

In a Montessori classroom, the lessons that shape us into socially adept adults begin in the simplest ways — through Grace and Courtesy. These are not just "nice" extras; they are essential life skills that form the bedrock of how we relate to others, solve problems, and engage with the world. One of the first Grace and Courtesy lessons a child receives is how to observe another at work with respect. Imagine a classroom... READ MORE

Sensorial materials are the heartbeat of a Montessori classroom. Designed to refine a child's senses, these materials allow young learners to explore their environment through sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste. Key Examples:  The Pink Tower: Ten cubes of varying sizes that build an intuitive sense of dimension. The Broad Stair: A series of wooden prisms that introduce concepts of length and weight. Sound Boxes: Paired objects that help distinguish different sounds. ... READ MORE

Many students memorize math procedures without true understanding, relying on rote learning rather than comprehension. Without visual references, concepts like borrowing in subtraction feel abstract and confusing. Students follow steps mechanically, often avoiding difficult operations or relying on calculators when allowed. The Golden Bead material, often presented at 4 years old, provides a hands-on way to grasp math concepts, using concrete representations of numbers—single beads for units, ten bars for tens, and so on.... READ MORE

As parents, we get one chance—one precious opportunity—to guide our children through their early years. These formative years are not just a phase; they are the foundation upon which a lifetime of learning, confidence, and character is built. At Countryside, we see firsthand the profound impact of early education. Research consistently shows that the first six years of life are the most critical for brain development. This is when curiosity flourishes, independence takes root, and... READ MORE

Why Cursive: The Benefits for Early Development Montessori education prioritizes teaching cursive over print for several developmental reasons. Cursive writing encourages fluid, continuous motion, which helps children develop fine motor skills more naturally than the separate strokes required in print writing. This connection of letters also promotes smoother and faster writing, reducing frustration and supporting legibility. The Montessori method focuses on the link between physical movement and cognitive development, and cursive’s flowing nature... READ MORE