Daily Primary Schedule

The school year starts out with a gradual phase-in period in order to assist the child in the transition from home to school.  As soon as the phase-in period has ended, each session will follow a similar schedule.  This consistent routine allows the child to feel safe and comfortable in the classroom environment. 

8:30-10:45 am Independent Work Period I
Children are free to choose work in any area of the classroom; Practical Life, Sensorial, Cultural, Language, Math, or Art. Snack is also available for children to serve themselves at any time throughout this period. Children are free to use the restroom at any time throughout the course of the day. Children who are reading are pulled individually to review Phonics reader homework.

Art Presentation
An art lesson is presented based on the Go Get Your Smock curriculum. Children are free to complete the art activity at any time during the Independent Work Period.

10:50-11:10 am Circle
During “circle” we read a book pertaining to the topic of the day. We talk about the calendar and weather, sing songs and practice grace and courtesy lessons. The children then prepare to go outdoors.

11:10-11:30am Outside Time
Dr. Montessori firmly stressed the importance of a child’s interaction with nature. The children listen to and watch birds, go on the swings, or simply play in the sand.

11:30am Dismissal of Half Day Students
The classroom aide escorts half day children to carline, while full day children prepare for lunch.

11:45am-12:15pm Lunch
Full day children eat a bagged lunch. Mealtime manners are stressed. Children wash dishes, cloth napkins and sweep the floor to prepare for the afternoon.

12:15-1:00 pm DEAR time and Rest
Younger students move to the Pre-Primary room for nap while the teacher reads to the resting older children. The children rest for approximately 20 minutes while listening to relaxing music.

1:00-2:50pm Independent Work Period II
The full day children resume independent work. They can also choose to use their Phonics workbooks at this time.

Kindergarten Pull-Out
Approximately twice a week, the Head teacher works with just the kindergarteners on Weekly Reader or another special project during the second work period. The Assistant teacher oversees the younger children with their independent work.

2:50-3:30pm Preparation and Outside
Another short circle is used for yoga, stretching, singing and meditation. The children use the restroom and go outside. Children are then dismissed from the outdoor play area to go home or to extended care.

 


The Six Steps of a Montessori Classroom


Freedom
Montessori children are free to move about, working alone or with others at will. They may select any activity and work with it as long as they wish, so long as they do not disturb anyone or damage anything and they put it back where it belongs when they are finished.

Structure and Order
The materials are grouped together according to subject and in presentation order. The materials always stay in the same place, fulfilling the child’s sense of order. The children are not permitted to interrupt each other during work time. The structure of the class schedule is typically the same every day.


Reality in Nature
The children are immersed in reality and free from illusion. They are first taught to appreciate what is real. The children are surrounded by nature. They observe and care for plants and animals inside the classroom.


Beauty and Atmosphere
A Montessori classroom is bright and cheerful. The shelves are light in color, so that the materials stand out. The room should have a relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes, music is played quietly.


The Montessori Materials
The materials are arranged in sequence from the most simple to the most complex and from the most concrete to those that are most abstract. Each material isolates and teaches one concept, or is used to present one skill at a time as the child is ready. Because of the steps used to complete each material, concentration and focus are developed.

 

Community Life
The children understand that the classroom and the materials belong to them. They take care of their environment and take responsibility for it. The multi-age classroom teaches older children patience and empathy, while younger children experience respect and admiration.
 

Montessori: The Science behind the Genius

Since Montessori is the fastest growing method of education today, young people going into the field of education want to learn about Montessori in their university classes. Until now there has never been a book well suited to this purpose; professors will relate to the perspective of another professor, especially one who is knowledgeable in all kinds of education of children. Students will come to understand more about how we educate children in traditional education, and why Montessori is so sought after as an alternative, in both private and public school settings.

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