Kindergarten program for children 5 or more years old.

Kindergartners at Mansio Mens bloom into confident, well-prepared children ready to go to the next level. They begin their day as part of the Montessori morning with a special emphasis during this time on age-appropriate works and mentoring their younger peers. The resulting sense of mastery and maturity is invaluable when they enter first grade.

Their morning also includes weekly enrichment sessions in Spanish, Yoga and Music.

After lunch, there is a special pull-out session where they work more in-depth with the kindergarten teacher and Montessori materials. This more teacher-directed program prepares them for a smooth transition to the next level.

Generally there are a dozen students in this class.

For more information on the importance of the kindergarten year to the Montessori experience, visit the Montessori three-year cycle.

Tasks appropriate for five-year olds: Help with meal planning and grocery shopping, make own sandwich and simple breakfast, clean up, pour own drink, prepare dinner table, tear up lettuce for salad, measure and pour ingredients for a recipe, make bed and clean room, dress and choose outfit, scrub sink, toilet, and bathtub, clean mirrors and windows, separate clothing for laundry, answer and dial phone properly, yard work, pay for small purchases, help clean out the car, take out the garbage, help make family entertainment decisions, learn to tie shoes, feed pets and clean the living area.

Tasks appropriate for six-year olds: Choose clothing according to weather, shake rugs, water plants and flowers, peel vegetables, cook simple food (toast, hot dog, boiled eggs), prepare own lunch for school, hang up own clothes in closet, gather wood for fireplace, rake leaves and weed, take pet for a walk, tie own shoes, responsible for minor injuries, keep garbage container clean, and straighten and clean silverware drawer.