The Children's House (Primary)

MCS has five primary, or Children's House, classes with students between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.

There are several program options available. Early care is available beginning at 7:30am. Normal arrival is between 8:15 and 8:30. Students may leave, before lunch, at 11:45, stay the traditional school day until 3:00pm, or be enrolled in one of our all-day classes that run until 5:45.

Our primary classes average 25 students, 2 Montessori teachers and 1 part-time assistant. The all-day classes have an additional assistant.

Each day there is individual work time, group time, and time to play outside. 3- and 4-year old children who stay all day have a rest time between 12:45 and 1:30. Weekly, all primary children experience music with a music teacher, although most classes do additional music on their own. Kindergarten children also participate in PE and Spanish once a week.

The Primary Curriculum
The exercises of Practical Life help primary students develop concentration, independence, and control of movement. These activities help children begin to care for themselves and their environment. They also work with activities that strengthen the pincer grip, which they will use when they hold a pencil.

Sensorial activities help primary students refine their senses. They begin to experience relationships and recognize patterns. These materials are particularly attractive to children, as they are simple and beautiful.

Children's House students begin to study Mathematics as they learn about numbers and experience the decimal system. Concrete materials that allow for exploration and practice are presented so the child can understand the concept of quantity. She must be able to manipulate material and count real things before she can abstract them. Then, she is introduced to the numerals and can understand what those symbols mean. Once she has this facility, she is introduced to the 4 mathematical operations, again using concrete materials.

The study of Language provides avenues for self-expression. This work begins with exercises in spoken language, which is the foundation for writing and reading. The child experiences new and enriching vocabulary as part of her interactions within the classroom. She is also provided with opportunities for expression.

Work with language also exposes students to the concept that words are made up of sounds, then that each sound is represented by a symbol. With this knowledge, students are able to compose words using a moveable alphabet. This material allows her to express her thoughts before she may have the ability to control a pencil. Teachers read aloud to children regularly and each classroom has a quiet library area where the love of reading and books is nurtured.