The Montessori Primary program offers a unique, mixed-age classroom environment, for children approximately 3 to 5 years old. Here, children engage in individual learning experiences, as well as one-on-one interactions, which are integral to the Montessori Method. As children get older, they tend to see things that adults find ordinary as very interesting and special. Practical life exercises like sorting, pouring, or washing dishes absorb them completely. We recognize this as the beginning of control and coordination of mind and body. Thus, Montessori learning revolves around tangible, hands-on experiences.
In the Montessori method, children use concrete materials to learn math; movable alphabet letters to explore language; and cubes, cylinders and other objects to categorize, find spatial relationships and more. Practical learning experiences explore key subjects including science and nature, music and movement, sensorial, cooking and nutrition, and cultural awareness, as well as core subjects: this includes history, geography, language arts, and mathematics. In the process, children are discovering independence, confidence, and innovation.
Throughout the Primary classroom, all students are encouraged to explore specially designed Montessori materials that are multi-sensory, hands-on, concrete and self-correcting. There is dynamic interaction among the various curriculum areas of the Montessori classroom. The specific skills of each area build upon each other and are interrelated to and dependent on skills learned in other areas of the classroom. This connection enhances children’s natural interest in and enthusiasm for learning. Each child progresses at his or her own individually appropriate pace, allowing each to be appropriately challenged and to become proficient in each area according to individual development and needs.
