About the Primary Curriculum
(ages 2
½-6)
Children in the primary program possess what Dr. Montessori called the absorbent
mind, the ability to absorb all aspects of one's culture and environment without
effort or fatigue. As an aid to this period of the child's self-construction, individual
work is encouraged. The following areas of activity cultivate the children's adaptation
and ability to express and think with clarity.
Practical
Life
Exercises
instill care for self, for others, and for the environment. Activities include
many of the
tasks children see as part of the daily routine in their home, such as preparing food and
washing dishes, along with exercises of grace and courtesy. Through these tasks, children
develop muscular coordination, enabling movement and the exploration of their
surroundings. They learn to work at a task from beginning to end, and develop their powers
of control and concentrations.
Sensorial
Materials serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive
skills, and learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling,
tasting, listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment.
Mathematics activities help children learn and
understand the concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials. This work gives
children a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles, prepares them for later
abstract reasoning, and helps to develop problem-solving capabilities.
Language
Development
is vital to human development. The Montessori environment is rich in oral
language opportunities, allowing the child to experience conversations,
stories and poetry. The sandpaper letters help children link sound and
symbol effortlessly, encouraging the development of written expression and
reading skills. To further reading development, children are exposed to
the study of grammar.
Culture - Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art and Music
are presented as extensions of the sensorial and language activities. Children learn about
people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. Through
familiarity, children come to feel connected to the global human family. Lessons and
experiences with nature inspire a reverence for all life.
The comprehensive art and music
programs give children every opportunity to enjoy a variety of creative activities, as
well as gain knowledge of the great masters.
Fruits and Vegetables
Snack - If you have signed up to bring fruits and
vegetables to one of the classrooms for the week, please use
this list for the items to buy.
Printer Friendly
List
BANANAS – 20
10
bananas should be ripe and 10 slightly green. This allows the bananas to be
used for a full week with getting rotten.
ORANGES – 20
Buy juice
oranges only, no tangerines, clementines, etc. Oranges should be small
enough to fit into a child’s hand.
CARROTS – 3 Pound Bag
Carrots
should be regular and thin size, NOT baby carrots. Carrots that are very
thick are difficult for the children to slice.
CELERY or CUCUMBERS
Buy 2
bunches of celery or 20 Kirby (pickling) cucumbers. The kirbys are usually
available at Harry’s and are one of the children’s favorites.
APPLES – 20
Apples
should be small enough to fit into the child’s hand. Choose good, firm and
juicy apples such as Delicious, Fuji or Granny Smith. A variety is nice.
FLOWERS
One bunch
of assorted flowers from the store or your garden. No thorns please.
