At Desert Willow Montessori, our schedule is designed to promote independent learning, hands-on experiences, and collaboration, allowing students to thrive at their own pace. Below is a typical classroom schedule for Kindergarten through 5th grade, with a flexible structure that caters to each child’s developmental needs:​

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Morning Routine (8:30AM)

1. Arrival and Welcome: Students settle in, organize their personal items, and greet teachers and peers.

2. Morning Circle: Group gathering to discuss the day’s activities, weather, calendar, and any special announcements.

3. Individual Work Time: Children select materials and begin focused individual work or small-group activities.

Core Learning Blocks (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

1. Mathematics: Hands-on lessons using Montessori materials to explore number sense, operations, geometry, and problem-solving.

2. Language Arts: Reading, writing, phonics, spelling, and grammar activities designed to strengthen literacy skills.

3. Snack and Break Time: A brief, child-led snack time followed by outdoor recess for physical activity.

4. Science or Social Studies: Experiential learning through nature exploration, science experiments, history, and geography projects.

Midday Learning and Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

1. Creative Arts: Art, music, and movement activities that encourage creativity and self-expression.

2. Lunch & Recess: Students enjoy a nutritious lunch followed by outdoor playtime.

3. Group Activities: Teachers read stories aloud, or students engage in collaborative activities based on class themes or interests.

Afternoon Sessions (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

1. Project-Based Learning: Students work on multi-disciplinary projects integrating concepts from math, science, language, and art, often collaborating with peers.

2. Practical Life and Cultural Studies: Activities that foster real-life skills (such as cooking, cleaning, gardening) and cultural exploration (learning about different countries, traditions, and communities).

3. Quiet Reading/Individual Work Time: Students have time for quiet reading, journaling, or working on unfinished tasks independently.

Dismissal (3:00 PM)

1. Wrap-Up and Reflection: At the end of the day, students gather to reflect on their learning, share experiences, and prepare for dismissal.

2. Dismissal: Children are picked up.