The Casa

Ages 3-6

The Montessori Children’s House, “Casa” in Italian, 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.

Sensorial activities allow the child to refine each of her senses. She will become a child who can appreciate color or texture differences, and organize her thoughts and objects in his environment.

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.

Practical Life skills provide the foundation for all other activities in the Montessori classroom. Through exercises in his everyday 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.

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

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 Casa Team

  • 3-6 Directress
    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.

  • 3-6 Directress
    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.

  • 3-6 Assistant
    I graduated from DePaul University with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in Spanish. I’m married and have two amazing daughters, Chloe and Eva.

    As my husband and I looked into preschools for our oldest, we were introduced to the amazing world that is Montessori education. I was immediately drawn to the learning environment and the philosophy of Maria Montessori. I began volunteering at Chloe’s school and eventually worked as an assistant in their toddler program. When Eva was born, my husband and I found Lupine Montessori and we are so thankful and excited to be part of this loving community.

    I am delighted to be a member of the wonderful Lupine community and look forward to this new journey in the Casa.

“Within the child lies the fate of the future.”

― Maria Montessori