French Language Immersion Program

•     The development of emergent literacy skills and standards is the primary focus of the Kindergarten day.
  

•  French Immersion is a program of instruction where children are taught solely in the French language. It is considered a traditional Kindergarten with respect to the standards based curriculum, classroom organization, structure of the day and materials, but is predominantly teacher-directed due to the importance of language modeling.

• The Early Immersion Model capitalizes on the ease with which young children acquire language in a natural setting where the new language is the only means of communication. In this way, a new language is acquired through listening and speaking.

• The teacher and aide speak only in French using gestures and cues to assist understanding. The children speak in English until they are able to communicate in French. Children are always working with an adult language model therefore the class is never divided into more than two groups, one learning with the teacher and one with the aide. The exception is a free play period each day when the children may choose their activity.
  

• Generally, students enter the program at the kindergarten level. Parents having questions about the program or who desire additional information may telephone the Placentino office. Availability of this program may be limited.

•         The development of emergent literacy skills and standards is the primary focus of the Kindergarten day.   In Holliston, we offer a Montessori approach to classroom programming beginning in our 3-6 classroom(s) at Placentino School .
  

•  The Montessori classroom is comprised of preschoolers and Kindergarten children ages 3-6 years old, although the majority of the class will be Kindergarten age children. Expectations vary depending on the individual needs and developmental readiness of each child. Older children are role models for younger members of the class, a feature of Montessori that continues in the 6-8 and third year programs.
  

•  Throughout the day learning takes place using the concrete Montessori materials and more traditional Kindergarten appropriate materials - to support and unite Holliston's standards-based curriculum with Montessori.
  

•   The Montessori classroom is referred to as the "prepared environment," an environment that is specifically ordered into several main areas that include practical life, math, sensorial, language readiness, cultural studies (social studies, sciences and geography) and art.
  

•  Lessons are presented individually, in small groups, and in a whole class format. In the 3-6 environment lessons are presented in a deliberate and specific manner. Following a presentation, children have the opportunity to manipulate and practice these lessons on their own. This fosters independence, responsibility for both learning and care of the classroom materials, and individual choice making. Following each lesson, the Montessori teacher assumes the role as a "guide" to the child's learning.
  

•  In September, the room appears to be some what empty because materials are available only after they are formally presented to the children. There are limited quantities of each material to enable variety, encourage choice, and teach patience. Respect and responsibility for self, others and the materials are an integral part of the Montessori philosophy. This is reflected in the orderly, prepared environment.
  

• The presentations and opportunities for practice in the 3-6 program build the basis for entrance to the next levels of the Montessori continuum.
  

• The Montessori concept has proven to be successful for children whether gifted or with special needs. Montessori education at the 3-6 and 6-8 levels is offered as an alternative program for preschool and elementary school aged children. Entry into the program is by parental written request only. Availability of this program may be limited.