Art by Owen Age 6

The Primary Years
The overriding goal of children in this age group is the development of self as an individual being. This goal gives the primary child an egocentric focus. Monumental brain development and self-formation is taking place as the child acquires physical awareness, coordination, will, independence and language. During this stage of development children go through periods of concentrating on specific capacities.

In an attempt to explain these stages Dr. Montessori coined the phrase ”Sensitive Periods”. These are transitory time periods in which the child appears to be working on one specific area of development to the exclusion of all others. During these times the child is sensitive to discovery of order in the environment, attention to precision, interest in minute objects, and counting objects. For example; primary students are not just interested in colour but in classifying and categorizing shades of colour, shades of red now become redder, reddest and so forth.

Teachers: Kindergarten: Gale Robinson, Grade 1: Joni Van Ommen
An important natural characteristic of the young child is curiosity. With the child in mind, Gale and Joni’s classrooms are set up to be child-friendly and accessible. Open spaces offer an environment where the children can enjoy each other and their learning experiences. The materials are clean, re-usable and enticing. The uniquely-developed materials can be used by children of all levels and abilities. By freely choosing his or her work, the child develops an independence and initiative that strengthens concentration, emphasizing the formation of an integrated, thinking personality which is all part of the Montessori philosophy. Opportunities for learning are at the hands of the children, who choose materials off the shelves from centres such as hands-on math, phonetics-based language activities, geography materials, art materials, and more.

Gale and Joni aim to provide a nurturing and safe environment in which children can develop independence and their love of learning.

Enrichment Classes
*Art, French, Music, Horticulture, Theatre are taught in the whole school, and multicultural celebrations and events happen throughout the year.

Art by Chloe Age 6

Art by Nyanza Age 6

Art by Joseph Age 6