Our School

Practical Life activities help children develop independence, responsibility, and motor skills through real-life tasks like pouring, sweeping, and buttoning. These activities foster concentration, coordination, and order—key elements of the Montessori method. At Big Sky Montessori, we focus on the OCCI principles (Order, Concentration, Coordination, and Independence) to guide children in becoming confident, self-sufficient learners. These tasks not only build practical skills but also support emotional and intellectual growth, helping children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

In a Montessori preschool classroom, math is introduced in a hands-on, interactive way that helps children develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through exploration and discovery. Using concrete materials like number rods, bead chains, and shapes, children engage in activities that teach counting, addition, subtraction, and patterns. These materials make abstract concepts more tangible, allowing children to visually and physically explore numbers and relationships. By working at their own pace, children develop a strong foundation in math, building confidence and curiosity while gaining a natural sense of order and structure that carries into more complex mathematical learning as they grow.

Language development is nurtured through a rich, hands-on environment where children explore reading, writing, and vocabulary at their own pace. Using materials like sandpaper letters, movable alphabets, and picture cards, children are introduced to sounds, letters, and words in a tactile, engaging way. These activities help build fine motor skills while laying the foundation for phonetic awareness and early literacy. As children move from identifying letters to forming words and sentences, they develop a deep love for language and communication, all while building confidence in their ability to express themselves verbally and through writing. At Big Sky Montessori, children are also exposed to Spanish throughout the day, enriching their language experience, though we are not a Spanish immersion program.

The Sensorial area is designed to help children explore and refine their five senses while developing cognitive skills like classification, discrimination, and comparison. Using specially designed materials like color tablets, sound boxes, and texture boards, children engage in activities that help them notice differences in color, texture, shape, size, sound, and weight. These hands-on experiences build a strong foundation for later learning in math, language, and science, while also enhancing attention to detail and sensory awareness. Through Sensorial activities, children learn to observe their world more closely and gain a deeper understanding of their surroundings.

The Cultural area in a Montessori classroom introduces children to the richness of the world around them through geography, history, science, and the arts. Using materials like globes, maps, and cultural objects, children explore different countries, cultures, and traditions, developing an appreciation for diversity and a sense of global awareness. Activities might include learning about different languages, exploring customs and celebrations, or studying the natural world through the lens of science and nature. This area fosters curiosity, respect for all cultures, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of our world, helping children grow into compassionate and globally-minded individuals.

Movement is an integral part of our daily routine, supporting both physical and emotional growth. We have an entire area dedicated to movement, where children can explore their bodies through activities that build strength, coordination, and balance. We also practice yoga, helping children develop focus, flexibility, and mindfulness. In addition, we’ve partnered with Rockfish to offer weekly climbing sessions, where children challenge themselves physically in a safe and supportive environment. Our outdoor time includes walks to the river and the scenic path behind the school, giving children the chance to connect with nature while staying active. These movement experiences not only promote physical health but also support social and emotional well-being, helping children develop confidence and self-regulation.

Art is an essential part of the learning experience, offering children a creative outlet to express themselves and explore their imagination. Art activities are integrated throughout the day, allowing children to engage with different materials like paint, clay, markers, and natural objects. These activities not only foster creativity but also develop fine motor skills, concentration, and an appreciation for beauty and self-expression. Through art, children learn to make choices, experiment with colors and textures, and create something uniquely their own, all while building confidence and developing a deeper connection to the world around them.

Social and emotional education, as well as the focus on peace, are central to the Montessori classroom. Children are encouraged to develop self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation through guided activities and interactions. The classroom environment promotes respectful communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, allowing children to learn how to express their feelings and navigate relationships with kindness and understanding. Teachers model peaceful behavior and provide tools like peace tables or calming spaces, where children can go to reflect or resolve conflicts independently. By cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and peace, Montessori helps children develop strong emotional intelligence and social skills that lay the foundation for positive, peaceful interactions both in and outside the classroom.