Whether your little one is an infant in our program or moving through the primary years, here are four intentional ways you can support their Montessori and Christian faith development at home this year.

Protect the “Absorbent Mind” with Zero Screen Time

In a world that feels increasingly digital, one of the greatest gifts we can give a young child is a screen-free environment. For the 0–6 age group, learning happens through the five senses. When a child watches a screen, they are passive observers. When they hold a wooden block, feel the cold water in a bowl, or smell a fresh orange, they are active participants in God’s creation.

• The Montessori Why: Screens provide a “flat” experience that can overstimulate the brain without providing the tactile feedback needed for neural development.
• The Faith Why: Constant digital noise can drown out the “still, small voice.” By removing screens, we create space for wonder, patience, and peaceful observation.

Find God in the Great Outdoors

Living in the Midlands, we are blessed with beautiful parks and mild winters. This year, make a “nature reset” part of your family rhythm. Whether it’s a walk at Sesquicentennial State Park or just exploring your own backyard, outdoor time is a primary Montessori “classroom.”

• Try This: Give your child a small basket to collect “treasures” from God’s world—a smooth stone, a fallen leaf, or an interesting twig.
• The Faith Connection: Use these moments to talk about God as the Creator. “Look at the pattern on this leaf; isn’t it amazing how God thought of every tiny detail?”

Build a “Library of the Heart”

Reading is the cornerstone of both literacy and spiritual growth. For children under six, prioritize books that reflect reality and beauty.

• Read Aloud Daily: Even for infants, the rhythm of your voice provides comfort and builds language. For toddlers, choose books with beautiful, realistic illustrations of animals, families, and nature.
• Scripture in the Home: Keep a “Bible Basket” in a reachable spot. Include a high-quality Children’s Bible with vibrant art. Even if they can’t read the words yet, they are learning that the Word of God is a central, beautiful part of their home.

Little Hands, Big Service (Practical Life)

In Montessori, we call chores “Practical Life.” In our faith, we call it “serving one another in love.” Children under six love to help because it makes them feel capable and connected.

• Age-Appropriate Tasks: Let your toddler help mist the houseplants, or give your preschooler a small pitcher to practice pouring water for dinner.
• The Lesson: When a child learns to wipe their own spill or set the table, they aren’t just learning a skill—they are learning that they have a valuable role in their family and world

A Blessed 2026 to You!

As we begin this new year, remember that you don’t need expensive materials to support your child’s growth. All you need is a little time, a lot of grace, and a commitment to seeing the world through your child’s eyes. We are so honored to partner with you in your child’s journey of faith and discovery!

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Posted in Featured

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Fresh Starts: Nurturing Your Child’s Spirit and Independence in 2026

By Jubilee

Posted in Parent Tools, Special Events

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By Jubilee

Posted in Uncategorized

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Gingerbread Joy and the True Meaning of Christmas at Jubilee Academy!

By Jubilee

Posted in Enrichment, Special Events

The air at Jubilee Academy has been filled with holiday cheer, the sweet smell of gingerbread, and the sound of excited chatter! Our students recently enjoyed one of our favorite annual traditions: decorating beautiful gingerbread houses in celebration of Christmas. This wasn’t just a fun activity; it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to…

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This wasn’t just a fun activity; it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect, create, and reflect on the true meaning of the season.

Combining Classes and Socializing

One of the highlights of the day was the chance to combine classes and encourage socialization. Older students helped guide our younger learners, sharing techniques for placing gumdrops and frosting perfect roof lines. This cooperative environment fostered a sense of community and kindness—essential lessons we strive to teach every day at Jubilee. It was beautiful to see friendships blossom across grade levels as students worked side-by-side on their edible masterpieces.

The Greatest Gift: Hearing the Story of Christ’s Birth

Amidst the colorful candies and sweet treats, we took time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Our students gathered to hear the heartwarming story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Understanding this story—the story of hope, love, and the greatest gift given to mankind—is the centerpiece of our celebration. We cherish these moments of reflection, grounding our holiday excitement in the love and faith of the season.

Connecting Gingerbread to Montessori Principles

You might wonder how decorating a gingerbread house ties into our educational philosophy. The gingerbread activity is actually a fantastic, hands-on application of several core Montessori principles:

• Practical Life Skills: The act of spreading frosting, arranging small candies, and carefully placing decorations involves fine motor control, concentration, and precision—all key components of Practical Life exercises.
• Preparation of the Environment: The beautifully pre-made houses and bowls of carefully sorted candies provided a rich, organized, and inviting environment, encouraging the students to engage independently and creatively.
• Concentration and Order: To successfully decorate a house, a child must choose materials, plan their design, and execute it with focus. This process naturally cultivates concentration and a sense of order as they manage their space and their sweet supplies.
• The Power of the Hand: In the Montessori method, we believe the hand is the chief instrument of the mind. This activity was a perfect example, allowing the children to externalize their inner creative ideas through physical construction and decoration.

A Massive Thank You!

This heartwarming tradition would not be possible without the incredible generosity and dedication of some very special people.

We extend a massive thank you to the wonderful ladies of Lexington Baptist Church! Every year, they lovingly handcraft and assemble each gingerbread home for our children to decorate. Their tireless work and community spirit bring so much joy and sweetness to our school, and we are truly grateful for their partnership and their devotion to our students.

We wish all of our Jubilee Academy families a Christmas season filled with joy, peace, and the true spirit of the Lord!

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Jubilee’s Own Heroes
We are incredibly proud to have veterans as integral members of the Jubilee Academy family. Their stories of service provide powerful, tangible lessons for our students.

Our very own Lead Primary Teacher, Mrs. Kierra, is an outstanding example of this commitment. Before shaping young minds here at Jubilee, Mrs. Kierra served our nation as a Religious Affairs Specialist in the United States Army. Her service required compassion, organizational skills, and a commitment to the well-being of her fellow soldiers. These same qualities shine through every day in her classroom, where she leads with grace and dedication, fostering a supportive and structured learning environment.

A Day of Living History
Today, our students received a special gift: a chance to connect with history through the eyes of our veterans.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant (Retired) Floyd Bullock, a vital member of the Jubilee family and a proud Vietnam Veteran, visited the class. He shared various items from his service, offering a tangible link to a different era of military life and sacrifice.

The students were also thrilled to meet U.S. Army Sergeant Tristin Lennert, a dedicated Jubilee Dad and Global War on Terror Veteran. Sergeant Lennert allowed the children the unique and exciting opportunity to try on items like a Combat Helmet and goggles. This hands-on experience brought their classroom lessons on patriotism and service to life in a memorable way.

These interactions are invaluable. They teach our children respect, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the commitment it takes to defend our nation.

Thank You to All Veterans
To Mrs. Kierra, Technical Sergeant (R) Bullock, Sergeant Lennert, and all the veterans in the Jubilee Academy family and the wider Columbia community: Thank you. Your service is a gift that keeps on giving, and we are profoundly grateful for the sacrifices you made, both while wearing the uniform and in the leadership you continue to provide today.

Let us carry the spirit of Veterans Day forward every day by treating all veterans with the respect and appreciation they deserve.

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