Individual Learning Stressed at Sandcastles Preschool By:CHRIS MACHADO
SOUTH KINGSTOWN - With books like Watty Piper's classic "The Little Engine That Could," along with the
undersized tables and chairs, Sandcastles Montessori Preschool looks just like any other preschool.
However, with an educational curriculum that stresses individual learning and not just group listening,
watching or reading, owner and teacher Kathy Vincent believes the school at 251B Post Road offers much
more.
For the past two decades Vincent has been involved in preschool education in South County.
For years, she had driven past New Life Assembly Church on Post Road just south of Wakefield and thought
that the seldom-used basement would be an ideal place to open a school of her own.
"I thought it was a perfect place for young children," she said. "It's safe for the children and convenient for
parents."
After Vincent, her husband Mark and their children Jessica, 16, and Eric, 14, spent numerous days
rehabilitating the sizeable two-room school and office, Vincent proudly stood in the main classroom looking
out at the playground and touting what the school has to offer.
The Montessori model of education is named for Maria Montessori, the first woman doctor in Italy.
Montessori based teaching methods on scientific observation of the learning process.
Vincent said when Sandcastles opens in September she will stress small group learning, hopefully with parent
involvement.
"We want parents to join us as often as they can," Vincent said.
The curriculum will not only include learning the alphabet or how to count but it will also offer music, art and
computer lessons.
"Montessori believed that children had a most sensitive period and this was the age. They're most ready now to
really grasp these things," said Vincent.
By believing that children as young as three years old are prepared to understand more than learning how to
work with shapes and color in books, Vincent will also incorporate kitchen training and elementary Spanish
into her classes.
"Part of the curriculum is to teach them practical things," she said from the kitchen adjacent to the main
classroom. "Children want to do what their parents do around the home. Whether it's folding, cleaning, serving
or pouring, they are so proud when they do it. Self esteem is so important in this program."
Vincent said science classes will also be more advanced than traditional preschool teachings, by incorporating
biology.
"I'm so excited. I can't wait," she said. "I'm going to hatch a butterfly and a chicken."
By offering her classes in two or three day morning or afternoon sessions, Vincent said she is hoping to
cultivate another important aspect of childhood development; family time.
"I didn't want to offer the five day a week classes because I want kids to take swimming or piano lessons," she
said. "They need to spend time doing other things with their families. That's so important."
For registration information call Kathy Vincent at Sandcastles Montessori Preschool at 789-1965 or go to www.sandcastlesmontessoripreschool.com
