Welcome to Our Classroom
Our classroom space is bright and beautiful. Students have the option of working at the tables or on the floor. By keeping our ratio extremely low each student receives highly individualized instruction and care.
Math and Language
Math and Language
Language is an area of tremendous focus for the students. Working at a pace that is comfortable for them, they learn not only phonics and handwriting, but I also place a great emphasis on vocabulary development. They are introduced to the various parts of speech and even punctuation - concepts not usually taught until first or second grade.
The power of the Montessori math materials is perhaps what the Montessori approach is most noted for. The materials are designed to make concepts easy to understand and master. Children start with the basics - learning their numbers and counting to ten. Then they quickly progress into operations, skip counting, place value, time, fractions, money, measurement, and so on.
Practical Life and Cultural Studies
Practical Life and Cultural Studies
Practical life is the area all new students start with. The exercises on the trays seem simple yet the skills taught are essential. The child learns not only valuable life skills and independence, but they are simultaneously building fine motor skills and hand strength. Through doing these exercises the child gains the ability to focus and concentrate as they complete increasingly complex multi-step processes. These abilities are what allows them to be successful when studying in the other areas.
Cultural Studies covers a huge range of topics. The children explore the world around them by learning about botany, biology, and geography. They also study anatomy, physical science, and astronomy. Through the cultural studies area children develop a deep appreciation for living things and learn to care for them.
Sensorial
Sensorial
The Sensorial area sharpens the five senses, builds critical thinking skills, and develops the child's powers of observation. This is also where the child begins their journey in mathematics as many of the materials are based on the decimal system. They also explore geometry in this area.
Time for Free Play
We make time to let our imaginations loose each day
We make time to let our imaginations loose each day
Making Time for Play
Making Time for Play
All work and no play is no fun. After all, play is the serious work of childhood! Through play, children learn valuable social skills and to solve problems. I believe in the value of play and understand its importance in a child's development. Activities and toys are open-ended and encourage creative thinking instead of just flashing bright lights and making noise. During morning work time our focus is on shelf work, but in the afternoon all the toys come out.
Open-Ended Play and Encouraging Creativity
Open-Ended Play and Encouraging Creativity
When creating this space I wanted toys that encouraged the children to use their imaginations and to think outside the box. Some of the toys we have are lincoln logs, magnet tiles, various building sets, rainbow pebbles, puppets, and much more. Some areas are always an option for the kiddos, even during work time - books and the listening center, the light table, and the art shelf as an example.
How Lessons are Structured
How Lessons are Structured
Students are free to progress at their own pace through the lessons. I carefully observe my students to determine when they are developmentally and academically ready to learn a new concept. Once they have seen the lesson they are free to work with the material as much as they please. This repetition is what leads the child to complete mastery of the concept being taught and develops their ability to concentrate and focus - both key skills necessary for success in more advanced areas of study.
The trays and materials may look simple but the concepts they teach can be quite advanced. Nevertheless, the children love working in the Montessori classroom. The curriculum is rigorous but to the students, the work is a challenge and that challenge is fun.
Our Outside Space
Welcome to our happy place. Plenty of sun and space for running but also plenty of shade. Kiddos can get all their energy out on the climber or with activities like basketball, or they can choose calmer, sensory-oriented play in the sandbox, mud kitchen and water tables, or opt for loose parts play. Additionally students can spend time helping to care for our garden where we grow organic herbs, tomatoes, berries, and beautiful flowers.
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This girl is doing a botany lesson. She takes the puzzle apart and reassembles it as she repeats the names of the parts of the tree.
The kiddos had focused on the letter S sound at circle time and then completed a project where they glued small squares on a large letter S.
The kiddos had focused on the letter S sound at circle time and then completed a project where they glued small squares on a large letter S.
On a rainy day that kept us inside this little girl settled herself on the sofa to read Harold and the Purple Crayon.
On a rainy day that kept us inside this little girl settled herself on the sofa to read Harold and the Purple Crayon.
About Ms. Maryssa
About Ms. Maryssa
I am the owner and primary teacher at Tiny Plum Montessori. I graduated with high honors from my certification program at Collin where I also studied child development. Much of my training and first classroom experiences were in their NAEYC-accredited preschool program. I loved every minute of it and have taught preschool for nine years. Every minute spent with my students has been a joy for me. So much so in fact that in 2019 I decided to begin a new adventure and open my own preschool in my home.
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I am 43 years young and happily married to my husband, Lucas, as well as a mom of three. Tiny Plum was the name of my daughter's favorite marker color when she was a toddler. The day that marker ran out you'd have thought the world was ending. My kids are all young adults now, the oldest having moved out and successfully living his best life. In my spare time I enjoy watercolor, reading, walking my dog, writing, watching football, quiet evenings at home, and gardening - which I share with the students.
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Tiny Plum Montessori is a family-run business. I work alongside my daughter, Annelise - who the kiddos call "Miss Lisey" - as well as my husband.
My Philosophy
I believe that each child is unique, special, and has their own gifts to share with the world. Each child is deserving of being loved and treasured for who they are.
My Teaching Goals
My goal as your child's teacher is to enrich the lives of all of my students by providing them with a loving and nurturing environment where they are free to explore, to be curious, to gain self-confidence, and where they know they are safe, loved and cherished.
"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child."
"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child."
- Dr. Maria Montessori​
This home is licensed with the Child Care Licensing division of the Health and Human Services Commission and is regularly inspected. To view Tiny Plum Montessori's compliance history with Child Care Licensing please visit www.txchildcaresearch.org or contact your local licensing office.