The Children’s House

The Children's House

The Montessori Children’s House, often called “Primary”, is a place where the 3-6 year old child continues to build himself physically, socially and intellectually. In stark contrast to traditional schooling, this child-directed environment has an order that promotes freedom. This kind of liberty ignites an enthusiasm for learning and fosters self-esteem, self-control and independence through the Montessori curriculum.

The 3-6 Curriculum

Practical Life

The 3-6 Curriculum Practical Life skills provide the foundation for all other activities in the Montessori classroom. Through exercises of his every day life, from pouring water or learning how to tie a shoelace, the child learns to properly take care of himself so that he may feel independent and does not have to rely on an adult for his basic needs. This purposeful work contributes to the development of concentration, coordination of movement, and mastery of the environment.

Sensorial

Sensorial activities allow the child to refine each of his senses. He will become a child who can appreciate color or texture differences, organize his thoughts and objects in his environment. Dr. Montessori believed “the human hand allows the mind to reveal itself.”

Creative Arts

Creative Arts provide a means of self expression. Rather than completing a specific project, children are free to choose art materials to create with loose parts and a variety of high quality art mediums and techniques.

Geography & Culture

Geography & Culture are celebrated with traditions like music and stories as well as maps and flags. Children begin to see the uniqueness of other cultures.

Science

Science gives children real, hands-on experiences with topics such as buoyancy and magnetics as well as exposure to the worlds of biology and botany.

Mathematics

Mathematics lessons lead the child through progressive hands-on activities, emphasizing concepts while preparing the child for abstractions supported by the math materials.

Language

Language activities such as object matching, tracing sand paper letters, spelling with the moveable alphabet and cursive writing help the child explore the world around them through spoken and written word.

Meet the Team in
The Children's House

Lina McAndrew

3-6 Directress

Lina McAndrew

My husband and I first learned about Montessori in 2008 through our daughter’s journey at a local Lithuanian Montessori program. We watched our daughter slowly emerge from a protective cocoon and blossom into a confident individual whose love of learning continues to serve her well as she heads into Junior High. After the birth of our second daughter and taking some time off to be fully present in motherhood, I began my Montessori training at Seton Montessori Institute, graduating in 2016.

Since that time, I have enjoyed the collaborative spirit that is part of the classroom community. I love offering encouragement to children, sharing their triumphs and delighting in the challenge of new ideas and experiences. It is my commitment to create a beautiful environment designed to meet the needs and growing interests of each child, providing opportunities for exploration leading to confident and creative self-expression.

Amanda Morrison

3-6 Directress

Amanda Morrison

I first learned about Montessori when my now teen-aged daughters were toddlers. I discovered the idea of children building their self-confidence when allowed to do things for themselves. I did what I could at home to support this idea and give credit to the teachings of Montessori for the success I see in them today. Several years later, I decided to open my own licensed in-home daycare center. I took what I knew of Montessori and implemented the philosophy with the daycare children. Later, as I pursued work outside of the home as a certified kids yoga instructor, I began work at a Montessori school in Palos Park. While there I worked as an assistant and was encouraged to seek certification to become a lead teacher. I trained at Seton Montessori Institute in Clarendon Hills.

I am passionate about the early childhood years because there is so much potential and opportunity for the child to grow in so many ways. It is truly the launching pad for life. As a teacher, it is my goal to never stop learning and growing from what I see and do every day. I believe the Montessori method has been around for over 100 years because it simply works.

Tahseen Mohajir

3-6 Directress

Tahseen Mohajir

I was inspired to pursue a career in Montessori education as a parent of three children who attended Montessori for their primary years. I love that the Montessori way is intended to prepare the children for all aspects of life and not just for school.

As I spend more and more time in the beautiful classroom community, I see the children empowered to be independent, follow their interests, and to be the best of themselves. The primary years are my favorite because the children are just bursting with curiosity, activity, and growth. It is exciting to be an observer and guide on these first years of a child’s journey of life.