Children in our Primary classes are welcomed each day into a room designed specifically for this age group. In this natural setting of mixed aged groupings, children readily learn from one another. Younger children observe and learn from older children and older children’s learning is reinforced as they benefit from the opportunity to share what they know. This complimentary partnership challenges everyone in the room to do their best. Kindness, sharing, respect for yourself, one another, and the materials are daily lessons in the Primary classroom. Attention is paid not only to the child’s academic ability, but also to their social, emotional, and physical development.  At Merrimack Montessori School our focus in on educating the whole child.

Merrimack Montessori Primary classes offer a challenging and enriching curriculum focusing on mathematics, language and reading, sensorial training, cultural and science topics such as geography, botany, and zoology, and the development of independence, coordination, and concentration.  Students experience a structured routine, but within that routine they have the freedom to choose their own activities and pace themselves. Each classroom routine also includes a circle time for group lessons, singing, movement, story time and the introduction of new materials. Children also have an opportunity to select a snack partner and share the healthy snack which is provided by parents. The day also includes an outdoor time where games, free play, and nature walks are enjoyed in many areas around the school grounds and on the play ground.

Children in the Primary classroom quickly learn there are many interesting materials which are beautifully displayed on shelves at eye level that beckon for them to reach out and touch. These purposefully designed materials build conceptual understanding from the concrete to the abstract. This groundwork is critical for real understanding about how language, math and science concepts work. Children’s thinking is encouraged through questioning, their interests are peaked, and their natural love of learning is nurtured in this safe and welcoming environment.

Children are given lessons in small groups or individually and presented lessons using the many manipulative materials that provoke children’s interests and discovery of the concept by the child. Teacher observation is key in providing lessons to children when they are most ready to make the step in learning. These concrete materials are not only often self correcting, but they allow children to learn from making mistakes and encourage them to try again another way. Their learning and discovery is often quite visible.

Montessori materials and many lessons often utilize all five senses. Materials and placement of materials are designed to encourage children to listen, look, touch, and move. As the child’s day progresses they are often be observed working for longer and longer periods of time increasing their concentration – one of the greatest tools needed for learning. Our Montessori teachers guide each child through the natural progression of materials by giving lessons in the order that ensures appropriate development. Children often learn to ask more “challenging work” as they have learned from their successes!

Three years to 6 year olds (including Kindergarten)

Children in these classes must be three by September

Classes are held:

Half Day Morning class: 8:30am -11:30am

Half Day Afternoon class:  12:30pm -3:30pm

Primary and Kindergarten: Full Day 8:30am – 3:30pm

Five Half days and three afternoons:

8:30am – 11:30am

Tues, Wed, Thurs full days: 8:30am – 3:30pm

Three Year old Three Afternoon 12:30pm – 3:30pm (limited seating available)