Mostly Montessori School Is Almost Ready Teachers Like That Method But Want Kids To Have More Options

Pam Pereira and Karen Christensen share a vision, a puppet named Mr. Blue and a magic wand.

Their vision is to educate children through play. That’s why these two teachers have teamed up to open the Montessori, Messes and Magic School on Miller Avenue for preschool and kindergarten children.

Pereira’s husband, Kris, owner of Ginno Construction, is building the school and has 12 more days to complete the project before classes start Sept. 12.

Pereira emphasizes that the school isn’t pure Montessori, a method developed by Maria Montessori in the early 1900s that focuses on training the senses and self-education.

“We still believe in the concept but now there are so many wonderful curriculums out there we don’t want to be locked into one box,” Pereira said, while holding Mr. Blue, a puppet the teachers often use in class.

“We teach through play,” she said. “And if a child is not ready to learn, they keep playing. We bring a math or science concept into play and if they’re ready they’ll run with it. It keeps the child from feeling like they don’t know.”

Pereira pulled a magic wand with a crystal ball on top from her apron, another teaching tool. The children playing around the construction site quickly gathered around to make a wish.

“We really look at learning styles,” Christensen said, while handing the wand around. “We want to see every child successful.”

Christensen is a former teacher at Coeur d’Alene Montessori.

The school still has several openings. For more information, call 765-3471 or 765-0314.