Welcome to the
Primary Classroom

3 - 6 Years Old

During this period, Maria Montessori points out that we need to collaborate with the children so that they are able to reach physical independence (both in language and movement). It is an important stage where the children are making great progress physically, socially, and emotionally.

This is the time of the Absorbent Mind, which is the state of the brain from birth to the age of 6. Maria Montessori observed that children internalize everything they see and experience in their immediate environment. This means that they are able to learn effortlessly and almost instantaneously. Currently, Neuroscience studies have confirmed that this ability exists and have labeled it ‘brain plasticity’.

Inquire About Admissions

The First Developmental Plane: "Help Me to Help Myself".

The abilities that were formed from 0 to 3 are now solidified during this period. The child will now be able to take those abilities, give them structure and improve on them. This ability of the mind to learn and absorb experiences, knowledge and sensations is particularly active between 0 and 6.

Half Day - 8:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Full Day - 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Full Day + After School Enrichment - 8:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

*After School Enrichment is expected to be available during the 2025-2026 School Year.

Practical Life

The four categories of Practical Life lessons isolate different key concepts that are all part of the child’s journey towards independence. Together they help a child learn self-awareness and to become conscious of their language, behavior, actions, and impact on others. The four categories are:

Screenshot 2023-09-22 at 6.59_edited.jpg

1. Grace and Courtesy – getting along well with others

politely interrupt
wait their turn
have patience with friends
greet teachers and friends politely
welcome newcomers to the classroom
disagree peacefully and speak respectfully

2. Control of Movement – being aware of your body in space

Balance – children walk along a marked line on the floor, placing one foot in front of the other. They might hold a small bell, taking care to walk carefully and keep the bell from ringing. They learn balance, and strive to complete the line without misstep.
Coordination – many of the Practical Life materials are arranged on small trays, which the children must carry to their workspace. Children learn to carry items one at a time, to place their things on the table before pulling out their chair, and how to move carefully through the busy classroom.
Fine Motor Skills – from transferring small beads carefully with a tiny spoon to learning how to thread a needle in preparation for sewing, the Practical Life shelves are filled with fine motor practice opportunities.

3. Care of Self – learning to care for your own needs and to help others who need it

4. Care of Environment – cleaning up after yourself and being responsible for your actions

Mathematics

We use number games and songs to spark an initial interest in maths. We use sandpaper numbers and bead bars to familiarize the children with large numbers. All knowledge of maths arises from the use of Montessori materials such as rods, beads, spindles, and cubes and counters. Tens, hundreds, and thousands are also taught using similar materials. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are all covered.

Screenshot 2023-09-22 at 7.04_edited.jpg

Sensorial

Between the ages of 3 and 6, Maria Montessori called this environment Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House). Having created the foundations of their personality, three-year-old children arrive in the prepared environment ready to develop and perfect their abilities. They learn best through real-life activities that support independence and self-efficacy; manipulation of objects to provide concrete sensorial experience; and open-ended exploration leading to the refinement of their movements, sensory perceptions, language and the development of their intellect.

All members of this expanded community of 3 to 6-year-olds thrive through opportunities to follow their own interest, freely choose their own activities, develop their capacity for concentration, and engage at their own pace their emerging powers of reason, imagination, and sociability.

Screenshot 2023-09-22 at 6_edited_edited

Language

We start by heightening their auditory senses through the use of games and songs. The children will learn phonetics through the use of sandpaper letters. The children will learn grammar and work on their handwriting from the beginning: initially writing on a blackboard, and using the moveable alphabet until they are able to write on paper. They then will move on to copying texts and creative writing, all the while being aided to perfect their calligraphy. Their language skills will also be improved during ‘Circle time’ through activities such as ‘show and tell’ and reader's theatre group.