What is Colibrí ?

“Colibri” means Hummingbird. These birds are often found in my place of origin: Yucatan, Mexico. The Mayans believed that hummingbirds were messengers and delivered the thoughts and wishes of the people from one place to another.

Then, when I came to the USA, I had the opportunity to spend some summers in Colorado, where I learned even more about these wonderful, tiny, birds. My host kid’s grandma would place several hummingbird feeders in her cabin, and it was just so beautiful and peaceful to welcome them every morning. They would be attracted by food that was offered to them and, in exchange, they would place a big smile on our faces. It felt like they were nurturing our daily routine.

And this is the reason why I decided to name this beautiful project “Colibri”. And just like them, I see Montessori teachers as people who nurture childhood.

Colibri is a Montessori Spanish School in the Front Royal area. Currently offering classes to children from age 3 months to 12 years with a Montessorian approach.

In each class, the children have the opportunity to nurture their knowledge by learning a new language through movement, music, creativity, language cards, and many more activities.

Colibri also has the purpose to connect families, by creating bonds and a beautiful community where everyone can learn from each other and, at the same time, teach each other. This is a space where parents can have the moment to observe their children interacting and socializing with others while learning a new language.

Bienvenidos

A little bit about me

Hola! Mi nombre es Valentina and,

I am a Special Education Teacher, a Montessori teacher, and the founder of the first Montessori Spanish school in Front Royal, VA. I have more than 10 years of experience working with children.

I graduated university as a Special Education teacher in 2014, in my home country, Mexico. I received an AMI diploma (Assistant to Infancy, 0-3 years) in 2022, from Montessori Training Center of Saint Louis, MO. I have more than 250 hours of observation of children between the ages of 0 to 3, as a requirement of completing my Montessori diploma.

In 2023 I received my 200hrs Yoga Training.

I am the founder of “Colibri Montessori”, where I offer a Montessori experience along to Spanish classes to children using music, movement, poems, rhymes, lessons, books, Montessori material and fun. All these given in sessions and adapted to different ages, from 3 months to 12 years.

As a hobby, I love creating with my hands: I handcraft many Montessori materials, especially for newborns and toddlers. I enjoy drinking tea, traveling, spending time with my husband and my two cats. I am also learning how to play the violin.

The mission of Colibri is to nurture childhood, by respecting each stage of it.

Classes

From walking to 3 Years

Nido

Mondays

9:45 am to 11 am

214 S Royal Ave. Front Royal, VA

Previous registration is required.

According to Montessori understanding, the first six years of life are the most fundamental to the development of human beings and the realization of their fullest potential. During this time, the infant and child’s physical development is phenomenal and inspires our care and attention.

Montessori Spanish Nido at Colibri Spanish School offers a Spanish immersion environment to non-native Spanish speakers and to native speakers. It is well known that children that are immersed in a second language at a such young age retain it easier and faster. Along this, Colibri provides parents and caregivers with a unique opportunity to engage with their children as they exercise their independence by exploring this specially prepared environment. Furniture and materials in the room are carefully chosen and designed to aid in the development of movement and coordination, independence, language, self-discipline, and cognitive skills.

The intent of each Parent-Infant and Toddler is to support your important role as your child’s first teacher. Through observation and interaction, you will witness the natural development of your child, and of yourself.

All classes are facilitated by Valentina Craft, an experienced, Montessori-trained teacher who serves as a guide and mentor for parents and children. She introduces activities to infants, children, and parents, helping the child develop social skills, communication, and a sense of belonging to a group.

These classes also help to deepen understanding of Montessori philosophy and its application in the home. Through both interaction and observation, parents and caregivers gain valuable insight regarding their infant and child’s path of development.

From 4 years to 10 Years

La Ronda

Thursdays

1:30 pm-4:30 pm

214 S Royal Ave, Front Royal, VA.

Previous registration is required.

In this one-hour session class, your child will have the opportunity to immerse into a Spanish environment. Starting with music, poems, books, movement and many other fun activities, your child will have these tools to start acquiring Spanish vocabulary. A lesson will be presented, followed by a small craft to strength the language by using their hands and, at the end, closing the hour class with a small Mexican snack. After every lesson, your child will go home with a worksheet to work at home.