Key Features of a Pre-Primary Program

1. Prepared Environment

 The classroom is carefully designed to be child-centered, with materials and furniture that are scaled to the child’s size and abilities. The environment is orderly, aesthetically pleasing, and divided into specific areas that focus on different areas of learning, such as practical life, sensory development, mathematics, language, and cultural studies.

2. Child-Led Learning
Children are free to choose their own activities from a variety of Montessori materials that are carefully designed to support specific learning objectives. This approach allows children to follow their interests, develop concentration, and learn at their own pace. The teacher, known as a “guide,” observes each child and introduces new activities when the child is ready.

3. Montessori Materials
The classroom is equipped with specialized Montessori materials that are hands-on, self-correcting, and designed to foster independent learning. These materials help children develop fine motor skills, sensory perception, and foundational concepts in math, language, and science.

4. Mixed-Age Grouping
 A Pre-Primary Montessori class typically includes children of varying ages, usually from 2 to 3-1/2 years old. This mixed-age environment allows younger children to learn from older peers and provides opportunities for older children to reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

5. Emphasis on Practical Life Skills
 Practical life activities are a cornerstone of the Montessori curriculum. These activities include tasks like pouring, sweeping, dressing, and food preparation, which help children develop coordination, concentration, independence, and a sense of responsibility.

6. Sensorial Exploration
The Montessori classroom includes a range of sensorial materials designed to help children refine their senses. Activities involve exploring different textures, colors, shapes, sounds, and smells, which enhance sensory perception and cognitive development.

7. Language and Literacy Development
Montessori language materials introduce children to phonetics, vocabulary, writing, and reading. Activities might include tracing sandpaper letters, matching objects with labels, and composing simple words and sentences using movable alphabet letters.

8. Mathematics Learning
 Montessori math materials are concrete and hands-on, helping children understand abstract mathematical concepts. Children learn about numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, and even basic geometry through activities like bead chains, number rods, and sandpaper numerals.

9. Cultural Studies
The curriculum also includes cultural studies, which introduce children to geography, history, science, art, and music. Montessori cultural materials often include globes, puzzle maps, timelines, and nature objects, which help children develop an understanding of the world and their place in it.

10. Peace Education and Social Skills
Montessori education emphasizes the development of social and emotional skills. Children learn about respect, empathy, conflict resolution, and cooperation. Activities often include group discussions, grace and courtesy lessons, and opportunities for collaborative work.