A collaborative learning environment
The Children’s House, or Casa dei Bambini, as Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907 called her first environment for 3 to 6 year old children. In this “home away from home” children work together in a multi-age collaborative learning community. Here children can be found directing their own activities, with younger ones being enticed by the work of the older children who in turn reinforce their own learning by sharing it with the younger ones.

Over three years, a student and teacher form a rich relationship built on an understanding of the individual child and her/his learning style. Children’s personal and social skills benefit by learning respect for others by developing skills in working in small groups.

Multi-level learning designed to compliment each child
The Children’s House environment contains distinct areas based on the developmental levels of the child. In the Practical Life area, activities such as shoe polishing, flower arranging, and leaf raking serve to enhance the child’s concentration, coordination, and sense of order. The Sensorial Materials allow children to refine their senses in order to comprehend and classify their world. Listening and oral skills steadily develop toward writing and reading through the Language activities. Mathematical concepts are grasped through the manipulation of concrete materials, preparing for the eventual capacity for abstraction with understanding. Art, music, foreign language and movement all contribute to the richness of the Children’s House experience.

Ruffing has four Children’s Houses. In the three traditional Montessori classrooms, 3 and 4 year-old children are present five days a week from 8:30 to 11:45. Five year old students in their third year stay until 3:15, allowing for a longer work cycle known as Extended Day. Our All Day Children’s House, available from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., serves children who need to spend a longer day in school.

Following the same morning cycle of work and lessons as the traditional classes, the 3 and 4 year-old students have rest time in the afternoon, while the five year olds participate in regular extended day activities. Later in the day, children enjoy outdoor play, gardening and other homelike activities.

Siesta Care
Siesta Care is intended for families of three and four year old children as an addendum to the regular Children’s House class. Children who are enrolled in the Children’s House in the morning and need to stay for the afternoon until the end of the school day (3:15) are eligible for this program.

The adult care giver responsible for the program will be with the approximately ten children during this entire period. Both the environment and the approach are compatible with their morning Montessori experience. Participants enjoy a parent-provided lunch and nap in the Siesta space. It is available on a four or five day schedule.

After completing the Children’s House extended day experience, children are well-prepared for Lower Elementary.