Primary Communities

Peace.  As the children have developed an awareness of their emotions, guides assist them in labeling those emotions and talking about them with other children, when there is a conflict.  These conversations become a cornerstone of the Montessori environment.  We call this subject Grace and Courtesy.  

Diversity.  Children at this age love celebrations from all different cultures.  In addition to the International Day of Peace, the school has a wintertime Celebration of Light.  Each of these celebrations highlight religious and cultural celebrations from around the world.  As the children get to know their classmates, who each have different abilities, they will--from time-to-time--learn about some children's challenges and the strategies they use to face those challenges.  The Primary environment is the perfect place to welcome children and adults from all backgrounds.

Responsibility.  Young children in the Primary Communities have a distinct sense of order.  We amplify that sense of order, by creating a very orderly environment.  While the young children's needs are served with this external order, the children who are older have established an internal order.  They adhere to that order, both in the classroom and out, taking accountability for making sure the classroom is neat and clean and making sure the living things outside have what they need to survive.

Primary Program

The Primary program at Clay-Platte Montessori is truly a gift to your child. Also known as the “Children’s House” and designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years, it is an opportunity to nurture their individual development within the context of a group setting. The result? Self-confidence, joy, and a lifelong love of learning.

It’s a Mixed Age Classroom

Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at their own pace while participating in a mixed-age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility by setting an example for their younger friends.

The Gift of Choice

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it, and perfect it.

A Deep Connection Between Teacher and Child

Our AMI certified teachers choose this career because of their love for children and dedication to Montessori. Their depth of training and knowledge is amplified by the joyful and deep relationship they develop with your child throughout the three-year journey together.

Child-Centered (Not Teacher-Centered)

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our Primary program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies, and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom on a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.

Beautiful Hands-On Materials Help Your Child Learn

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, he develops a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

Group Activities and Play

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific, or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Instead of a top-down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to their ability, not to a generic standard.

The Children’s House

Our teachers put tremendous care and attention to detail into the classroom with low shelves, beautiful artwork, books, and cultural items of interest to pique your child’s interest and stimulate their senses. The children respond by developing a sense of classroom ownership and a drive to care for it, further deepening the bonds of the community and their quest to learn.

Essential Skills for a Successful Life

The Primary program is designed to help your child become their best self. Through “grace and courtesy” activities, we teach your child how to solve conflicts, how to act politely in social situations, and how to be kind and helpful to friends.

Kindergarten Included

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. They are introduced to numbers and the decimal system. They learn about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. They leave the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting, and boundless. At this point, they are ready to move up to the Elementary Program, for children from the ages of 6 to 12.