Ages: (2½ -6 years)

Our 3 year Casa program is designed to follow your child’s individual needs. Through manipulation of specific materials, children develop important life skills, co-ordination, concentration and self-confidence.

Teachers present lessons individually as well as in small groups. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment so that their curiosity is both challenged and rewarded. The materials are attractive and inviting so that they capture the interest of the child.

Through repetition of the materials students refine their skills and are able to teach themselves. Upon completion of our Casa program children are independent and goal-oriented. Children entering the Casa program must be at least 2½ years of age and toilet trained. There is also a 4-6 week probationary period for new children so that they are able to adjust to the program.

KWMS offers Half Day and Full-Day Casa Programs. All programs are 5 days a week.

Children between the ages of 2½ and 3 years 8 months are required to enroll in our Catered Program as per Ministry of Education regulations. Children in this age group also participate in a rest/nap period after lunch. The older children in the classroom continue their afternoon Montessori program.

Before and After School Care

Our school offers a Before Care and an After Care program for an additional cost for students enrolled at our school.

Children spend time in the playground (weather permitting) and indoors while supervised by staff members.

The Before Care program begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 8:45 a.m. Children are then allowed to enter their classrooms and begin working. The After Care program begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m.

Children must be picked up no later than 5:30 p.m. or late fees will apply. Please refer to our registration and tuition agreement forms for the costs of these programs.

 

The Casa classrooms are divided into the following five areas:

 

Practical Life

The exercises in this area help develop independence, concentration, orderly work habits, respect for self and for the environment. It also promotes fine and gross motor skills through purposeful activity.

Sensorial

The Sensorial materials help to develop and refine a child’s senses. Children learn to discriminate according to size, colour, shape, sound, texture, etc. They refine their skills through repetitive use of these materials.

Language

Children learn how to build words and develop preliminary reading skills. Penmanship is also developed. The Montessori language program is phonetic and teaches the sounds of the letters. Vocabulary is developed through word games and various exercises. By the end of the third year of the Casa program children are able to read and write phonetically.

Math

In this area concrete materials are used to introduce various concepts. The quantity of numbers is first given, leading to work with the decimal system. Children are also introduced to the basic four operations leading to the beginning of memorization of math facts.

Culture

Cultural activities and exercises aim to develop a child’s understanding of the world and their place within it. This area offers the child exploration in History, Geography, Botany, Zoology and Science.

Art

At the Casa level art is offered to the child during the normal routine. The goal is to allow each child to explore and develop their own creativity.

Music

At the Casa level music is integrated into the classroom. A child’s natural love of music is recognized and developed through moving, using musical instruments, singing and listening.

French

At the Casa level children receive French instruction on a regular basis. They are introduced to French vocabulary and conversational skills through various activities including songs and games.

Physical Education

All Casa students receive Physical Education once a week. Children develop various motor skills through games and activities. Casa students are also given ample opportunity on a daily basis to move during songs and activities during circle time within their classrooms.