Distance Learning

Hover over underlined & bolded words for great informational, community, academic, and social/emotional resources for students & their families. These will be updated as new information & resources become available.

General Learning Resources:

Chatham County Public Library digital and online learning resources – If you are a Chatham County resident and don’t already have a library card, you can register for a card online.)

Durham County Public Library digital collections – If you are a Durham County resident and don’t already have a library card, you can register for a card online.)

Wake County Public Library download library, – If you are a Wake County resident and don’t already have a library card, you can register for a card online.)

If you live in another county, please check the website for your local library.

Children's House:

ABCmouse (30 Days Free) – Reading, Math, Science, Art & Colors

ABCYA – over 400 fun and educational games for grades PreK through 6

Amy Latta Creations – 10 at home art lessons for children

Aquarium Virtual tours

The Art of Education University – at home art lessons for children

Art Museum Collections/ Art Museum Virtual tours around the world

BrainPOPJR– STEM • Social Studies • Reading/Writing • Health • Arts activities for K-3

Coral Reef “Online Lab” – A video presentation with suggested activities, from Kid Lab

The Dot

EPIC (30 Days FREE) – Digital library for kids 12 & under

Everyone’s Awake- Story read by the illustrator

Free Creative Craft plans through Discount School Supply

Free Science Kit

FunBrain PreK & K Playground – Games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy

Handwriting without Tears activities (virtual) for Pre-K & K)

Letterland –Free resources from Award Winning phonics publisher

Manoj Bathula Art

Mini Kid Zone

Mo Williems LUNCH DOODLES – Award winning children’s author and illustrator draws and talks to viewers once a day during isolation

Mobile Montessori – Educational apps for schools & home learning

More Virtual Tours

Movable Alphabet Printables

Montessori Tools – Interactive Montessori materials

National Parks Virtual Tours

NC Symphony Online Concerts – Hear the Symphony wherever they are—and learn What Makes Music, Music! Access with password 1932.

PBS Kids

Elementary:

Adolescent:

We recommend creating a plan with your teen’s input. Whenever possible, include them in the decision-making processes. Their plan can include the following:

  • Establishing a quiet workspace

  • Making a schedule that works for your family

  • Taking on a personal challenge

    • How far can you ride your bike without stopping?

    • Can you build a fort that holds your weight?

    • Can you learn a new skill?

    • Can you make a new meal with the ingredients you have in the house?

    • Can you write an original song/poem/story/play?

  • FaceTime or call an extended family member or friend

  • Start a new hobby

  • Take a virtual tour

  • Spring cleaning of room and clothes

  • Listen to an audiobook or podcast

  • Completing a service project from home












Community Support Resources:

Community of Hope Ministries – Food Bank (Garner)

Crosspointe/YMCA – Cary, NC

Durham County Food Pantry

Eggs Up Grill (Holly Springs)

Feeding kids for free daily 11am-1pm – No purchase necessary

Holly Springs Food Cupboard

Urban Ministries of Durham

Western Wake Crisis Ministry

WWCM Food Pickups:

  • First United Methodist Church, Cary – Lunches 12:15-1:15pm M-F

  • Chatham Forest Apartments, Cary- Dinners 6:30-7:30pm Tues. and Thurs.

  • Apex First Baptist Church, Apex – Dinners 6:30-7:30pm Mon. and Wed.

  • Arbors of Cary , Cary – Dinners 6:00 – 7:00pm Mondays through Thursdays

Our Mission and our Values in action: A Short Reflection in Light of Covid-19

Willow Oak Montessori strives to assist children in achieving their unique potential...

The mandate and mission of Remote Instruction this school year is to deliver an educational experience as close as possible to an in-person experience. This is a high bar. We will expand every effort to meet this aspiration.

… as responsible global citizens...

This is a global situation. We are not the only ones in the world dealing with these uncommon circumstances. Our children will undoubtedly carry within them the memory and impact of how we handle and help them handle the weeks and months ahead.

...by nurturing self-confidence and independent decision making

Our teachers are committed to delivering a Montessori education. While they are thinking into how to overcome the reduced access to Montessori materials, they are firmly grounded in the Montessori philosophy and are determined to serve their students to the very best of their abilities. They are thinking into the best ways to nurture independence and growth, freedom and responsibility.

... in a stimulating, creative, and diverse Montessori community.

We all have to keep a balance between our academic expectations and the full development of the human personality in our young ones. I have already witnessed families reaching out to one another. Remember that it is as important to accept help as it is to offer it.


Individual Growth

We will be monitoring each student’s growth and adjustment to the remote setting, holding them accountable to their education and supporting them through the rough patches. Resilience is built through experience, not words.

Interdependence

More than ever we know that the home/school partnership will be crucial to students’ success. Transparency and accountability, collaboration and mutual support will be the keys to our collective success.

Peaceful Cooperation

When the going gets tough we need to to practice and to model this important value. We are all on the same side: working toward every student’s success. When we keep this in mind, we can solve any issue.

Respectful Care

We hope that you reach out to us when you need support. We also encourage you to set up reasonable routines to support each student’s learning and allow them to also have some time to relax. I have asked the faculty to model this by creating space and time for their families in this time of constant electronic connection. Remote instruction is a vulnerable setting for all, students, families and educators. We need to assume best intentions at the onset of every interaction.