Why Kindergarten at OCC?

"Why is it so important for my child to continue at OCC for Kindergarten?"

I usually field this question in the spring from a parent who likes our program but doesn't really fully understand it. I'd like to begin with the importance of finishing the Montessori three year cycle. This will give all of you with rising Kindergarten students, children who will be five on or before Aug. 31 2008, time to plan for your preschool child's educational future.

You'll want to find out about the entire Montessori learning cycle as well as the special events and projects developed for our Kindergarten students. Miss Kassie, our Kindergarten families, and OCC alumni will also be sharing important information about the OCC Kindergarten experience this year. When you know the all of the facts, you won't want your child to miss this wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.

Kassie and I will be able to answer additional questions during the upcoming parent-teacher conferences so be ready with your questions.

In OCC's Montessori Kindergarten environment, every child is presented with endless opportunities to develop advanced skills in language and literacy, problem-solving, mathematical concepts, and interpersonal relationships.

During the Kindergarten year, a child can not only engage with the Montessori materials in more depth, thus gaining more insight, but, using this base, has the confidence to invent and create unique ways to use the materials.

The OCC Kindergartner is a responsible leader in the classroom and throughout the school environment. Helping younger friends, acting as a teacher helper, and helping with school and office jobs benefits the school as well as the child. How many five year old have such an impressive resume?

Students engage in critical learning habits—concentration, risk-taking, self-discipline, a sense of order, persistence in completing a task, creative self-expression and a love for learning, (invaluable preparations for life) -- the child develops these behaviors in a supportive, exciting learning community.

All preparations for later academic work and for social and emotional development which have been so carefully nurtured in the three and four year old child are reinforced and expanded upon in the kindergarten year.

As one Montessori parent put it, “Everything my child had learned up to then seemed to fall into place, and he was ready to meet other challenges once he had this foundation.”