Gigglezilla Montessori

Montessori Inspired. Play Infused.

Your child, especially from 0-6yrs, needs kindness, harmony, love, and a peaceful environment. This is why Gigglezilla takes pride in providing children with a carefully curated Montessori-inspired learning atmosphere.

Environment

Our classroom environment is small but mighty! We’re a one-room in-home learning space.

The environment where your children spend time is of significant importance. This is especially true from ages 0-3. At this age your child is absorbing everything, I mean everything, in their environment. The absorbent mind of a child takes in their surroundings unconsciously (0-3yrs) and consciously(3-6yrs)and without fatigue. Taking in their environment is effortless and should be prepared with care.

The materials are made available at the child’s level, always. The materials are rotated often to keep excitement and engagement in the space as we observe what the child is interested in learning. You won’t find any toys with flashing lights or loud sounds. The shelves are intentionally stocked with just a few toys to reduce overstimulation. Each toy in the prepared environment is carefully selected and can be used in a variety of ways.  This approach to play and learning encourages curiosity, exploration, and imagination.

The space is cozy, has beautiful large windows, loads of plants, and soft carpeting to foster a relaxing learning environment.

We have prepared the learning space for children ages 4 – 5.5 years.

Classroom Photos

Why Montessori/Why Gigglezilla

The learning philosophies and methodologies of Dr. Maria Montessori hold children in the highest regard. Her methods show deep respect, care, and belief in the child as a whole person. Montessori is about so much more than wooden materials and playing outside. Montessori was born from Maria’s desire to care for children in a way that honors their autonomy, prepares them for the world outside the classroom, and allows them to gain knowledge through carefully prepared environments. Gigglezilla closely identifies with these same principles and implements them on a daily basis. We aim link the child to their environment so the materials in the classroom may guide their learning.

At Gigglezilla your child is offered opportunities to explore, ask questions, experiment, feel, learn with their senses, explore nature, and of course play.

What does a child’s play/work look like:

Purposeful activity
Interactions with peers
Voluntary/Intentional Movements
Grace & Courtesy
Practicing order (internal & external)
Time spent in nature

Schedule

Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00AM-12:15PM

9:00AM – 9:20AM Welcome
9:20AM – 9:30AM Morning Circle
9:30AM – 9:45AM – Morning Snack
9:45AM – 10:40AM – Montessori Work Period
10:40AM – 11:15AM – Time Spent Outdoors
11:15AM – 11:35AM Wash up and Prepare for Afternoon Snack
11:35AM – 11:50AM – Musical Period and Art Expression
11:50AM – 12:00PM Prepare for Home
12:00PM – 12:15PM Parent Pickup

Enrollment Process

Set up a phone call to discuss the childcare needs of the child/family
Set up a time to meet in-person with parent(s) and/or child for a tour
If the child was not present at the first meeting, set up a time for the child to visit with the parents
Set up a time for the child to visit the classroom to play and meet the other children without the parents (1 hour)
Parent and teacher discuss whether Gigglezilla is the right fit for the child. if yes, fill out enrollment paperwork.
30 days post-enrollment, set up a meeting to discuss continuing or discontinuing care (trial period)

Children must be fully potty independent. Wearing pull-ups is not allowed in this space.

We encourage you to do a bit of research on the life and work of Maria Montessori as it may guide your decision on the pedagogy you seek for your child!

“In the end, the task of bringing up children is not merely a question of effective parenting, and even less one of educational insights, theories, or ideals. It is, first and foremost, a matter of the love we give them. Love which has power to awaken more of the same, even years down the road.” Johann Christoph Arnold (1940 – 2017)

Email shandace@gigglezilla.com with questions!