Program
Primary Child 2 1/2 - 6 years
"This is the path he follows. He learns without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so, he passes little by little from unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the little paths of joy and love. " Dr. Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind
Dr. Montessori, through her studies and observation of the young child concluded that the mind of the infant to age 6 years was the most absorbent time of the human mind. During this period, humans have a “special” opportunity to learn easily.
To support her theory, she brought together children ages 2 ½ -
6 years old and placed them in a specially prepared environment. Table and
chairs were child sized, real activities were offered such as cloth washing,
sewing, preparing lunch, arithmetic, writing, learning about the world,
languages and art. The materials were designed and crafted by Dr. Montessori
and offered a rich learning experience for the students. Suddenly, through
the exploration of the prepared environment and mentorship of the older
students, the children were learning advanced concepts of their world. They
were independent thinkers and problem solvers. This classroom became a “child
community,” the teacher would direct the student, assist as needed,
and lead the child to new concepts and greater independence. This is the
“core” of the Primary classroom.
