Essential Montessori at The Primary Montessori Day School...

 

Multi-age grouping...with constant interaction and problem solving child to child. Each child is challenged according to his ability.

 

Work Areas ...the classroom is arranged according to subject area, and the children are free to move about the room. At any one time in the day, math, language, science, social studies, art, music, and hands-on computer experience take place at all levels. Spanish classes are offered twice weekly.

 

Teachers ...at The Primary Montessori Day School have completed college degrees, and have earned Montessori diplomas. Through skill and observation, the teacher's role is to introduce academic materials, lead group activities, facilitate social skills, and intervene when appropriate to correct errors in a sensitive and loving manner.

 

Curriculum...is integrated. No subject is taught in isolation. As soon as a child understands a material, he may work on it independently. When he masters a material, he receives a new lesson. The Montessori method provides the opportunity for the child to develop independence, confidence, creativity, self-motivation, responsibility and academic competency. Montessori directives complement the needs of all children, while affording the freedom necessary to preserve each child's uniqueness.

 

Schedule...there are two work periods each day. Adults and children respect each other's concentration and do not interrupt. The school is sensitive to the fact that children mature at very different rates. Periods of readiness for academic subjects vary. In the Montessori classroom every child can work freely, at his own pace in a neat, non-competitive atmosphere.

 

Class Size...the most successful primary classes are 25-30 children with one Montessori certified teacher and two skilled assistants. Children remain in the same class three to four years, so much of the teaching is child to child. The toddler room is a classroom of 12 children.

 

Assessment...there are no grades in Montessori education. Assessment is by portfolio and teacher observation. A child's behavior, happiness, accomplishment, maturity, independence, empathy, and love of learning reflect the success of the class. Parents receive two comprehensive progress reports each year and regular conference dates are scheduled.

 

 

 

Detailed Curriculum Information:

 

The Two's Program (age 2) - The Two's environment is prepared to meet a two year old's growing emotional and cognitive abilities. Classroom exercises include sensorial work and instruction in math and language. As the child grows emotionally, physically and intellectually, the activities in the classroom continue to change to meet his/her needs. Read More...

 

The Primary Program (ages 3-6) - Primary classrooms are designed specially for the child and the entire environment is created to facilitate their learning process. Maria Montessori observed that children learn by doing and wrote that the "hand was the instrument of the mind". The Montessori curricula, techniques and materials satisfy the natural tendency for this age child to learn by doing. Independence, coordination, order, self-discipline and concentration are developed. Read More... 

 

The Lower Elementary Program (ages 6-9) - It is at the elementary level that children become fascinated with the "how" and "why" of everything. Using the skills acquired in the primary (preschool) years, the elementary student becomes an explorer of the universe in a more profound way. They are entering a period of imagination, reason, socialization and moral justice. Read More...