The Primary Community (3 through 6 years)

CMS has five primary classrooms. Four of these communities are for those children that leave by 2:45 and one community, the All Day class, enrolls children that may be at the school between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mixed ages ensure that the children can grow at their own pace and can have models for imitation. In addition, it gives the older children an opportunity to reinforce their own knowledge by helping their younger classmates.

Classes range from 28 to 30 children. Class sizes are large to allow each age group a number of peers and also to reinforce the need and ability of the child to become self-reliant and independent. The classroom is truly a community in which the guide is neither the center of attention nor the sole source of learning. The guide is there to ensure that each child is exposed to all areas of learning and that he is given those lessons at the right time.

When children arrive, they hang up their coats themselves, receiving help if necessary. A snack is available and the children serve themselves when they are ready to eat or drink. There is a three-hour work period in the morning. During this time, the children can use materials with which they are already familiar, have new lessons with the guide, or work in small groups. The children move freely within the classroom, selecting work that captures their interest, rather than passively participating in lessons and projects selected by a teacher. By allowing children to develop a meaningful degree of independence and self-discipline, Montessori sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and a sense of responsibility. The children take pride in doing things for themselves carefully and well.

Classrooms are organized into five curriculum areas: practical life, sensorial, math, language, and history/geography/cultural areas. Children at this age have a conscious Absorbent Mind, learning effortlessly those things which capture their interest. Dr. Montessori believed that the hand is the chief teacher of the child. In order to learn, there must be concentration and the use of materials that involve the eye and hand working together. It is the responsibility of the guide to use observation skills, recognizing the child’s readiness for learning in particular areas and seeing the progress of each child. This progress is recorded in carefully maintained records.

Children sometimes gather in a large group to sing, read books, or have group lessons such as with science or geography. Morning children leave at 11:30, and the younger children who remain at school eat lunch and nap. After lunch, the older children participate in a two-hour work period followed by playground time. The children participate fully in their environment with activities such as helping to set out lunch or snack, watering plants, and arranging flowers. These jobs reinforce the children’s awareness that it is really their classroom.