younger children interact in smaller environments, with their own outdoor play areas and nap time after lunch. The classroom environments have been specially prepared to be inviting for children at various levels of development and interests. Rather than telling children what to do, Dr. Maria Montessori recommended that adults “follow the child”.

Children, given freedom to move around the classroom, use their time at school to explore and discover. By allowing children to choose their own work, they are able to follow their innate curiosity and self-motivation, leading to self-confidence and inner joy. Of course, freedom requires boundaries. Classroom lead guides and assistants model respect for others and care of the shared environment. Children thrive in this rich environment and we often hear children say, "I did it myself!" Children at COMS learn to be self-confident, caring and independent. They learn to trust their own instincts to become functioning members of our society. Their natural curiosity leads them to explore numerous areas including geography, art, language, math, sensorial and practical life.

Perhaps a three-year-old is arranging the pink tower from smallest to largest, while a four-year-old works to learn the sounds of the alphabet. Meanwhile, a five-year-old child works with another kindergartner adding "golden beads". By mixing these ages together, children have the opportunity for constant interaction, problem solving, child-to-child teaching and socialization.

Walk into Maple Classroom and you will see children working at their own pace, following their own interests.