Primary Curriculum Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ages 3 - 6
Our Philosophy
Montessori education nurtures the whole child, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Children learn through hands-on experiences with carefully prepared materials, choosing activities that interest them, repeating exercises until mastery, and developing autonomy, concentration, and problem-solving skills. The classroom is inviting, organized, and child-sized, allowing children to move freely, make choices, and care for themselves and their community.
Multi-Age Classrooms
- Older children model behaviors, patience, and work habits for younger children
- Teachers create flexible groups to challenge each child at their readiness level
- Mentoring fosters empathy, leadership, and mastery
Teaching and Learning
Children actively explore and learn through inquiry:
- Problem-solving & critical thinking: Students ask questions, hypothesize, and test ideas
- Collaboration: Children work individually, in pairs, or in groups to complete meaningful tasks
- Global awareness: Students develop international-mindedness by exploring cultural differences and similarities
- Curriculum areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music
- Social-emotional skills: Collaborative play, grace, and courtesy are integrated throughout the day
Practical Life
Practical Life activities promote independence, focus, and coordination:
- Fine motor skills: Pouring, scooping, tong work, sewing, dressing frames
- Food preparation: Slicing fruits, making sandwiches, serving peers
- Large motor skills: Carrying chairs, sweeping, raking, and arranging flowers
- Grace and courtesy: Table manners, sharing, helping peers
- Independence & self-care: Children gain confidence in daily life skills
Sensorial
Sensorial exercises refine the five senses and cognitive development:
- Visual: Grading size, color, shape, and geometric forms.
- Auditory: Matching pitch, rhythm, and tone with Montessori bells.
- Tactile & Olfactory: Textures, fabrics, scents (e.g., spices, herbs).
- Gustatory: Tasting sweet, salty, bitter; differentiating flavors.
- Proprioception & balance: Walking lines, carrying objects, coordinating movement
Language
Language development spans oral, written, and reading skills:
- Oral language: Conversations, storytelling, and vocabulary building
- Reading: Phonics, sight words, emergent readers, story comprehension
- Writing: Pencil control, tracing, dictation, handwriting skills (Handwriting Without Tears + Montessori methods)
- Multi-age outcomes: P1–P3 students progress through listening, speaking, reading, and writing at individualized paces
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Mathematics
Montessori math materials help students understand numbers and abstract concepts through hands-on exploration:
- Number sense: Counting, one-to-one correspondence, addition, subtraction
- Operations & problem-solving: Multiplication, division, number stories
- Measurement: Length, weight, temperature, and time
- Geometry: 2D & 3D shapes, positions, directions
- Pattern & function: Recognizing, creating, and continuing patterns
- Data handling: Collecting data, creating graphs, and interpreting results
Science
Science fosters curiosity, observation, and experimentation:
- Living things: Plants, animals, humans; adaptation, growth, biodiversity
- Materials & matter: Properties, states, physical and chemical changes
- Forces & energy: Motion, pushes/pulls, effects of force
- Earth & space: Weather, sun/moon patterns, natural resources
- Skills: Observation, hypothesis testing, discussion, and care for the environment
Social Studies
Primary social studies explore people, communities, and the environment:
- Human systems & economic activities: Community roles, cooperation, rules, production, and consumption
- Resources & environment: Meeting needs and wants, sustainability, resource management
- Social organization & culture: Traditions, celebrations, cultural awareness
- Continuity & change: Personal and family histories, timelines, sequencing events
- Human & natural environments: Maps, globes, geography, homes, and habitats
Languages
Spanish
In the Primary classroom, Spanish is introduced as a second language in a playful, immersive way. Montessori principles guide the learning: children are exposed to language naturally through songs, stories, rhymes, and daily conversation. This approach encourages children to absorb vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation intuitively, much like they acquire their first language.
Students also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries, exploring traditions, music, food, and festivals, thereby developing international-mindedness and empathy. The Primary Spanish program focuses on:
- Listening comprehension and oral expression
- Vocabulary development through real-life contexts and stories
- Responding to instructions and participating in short conversations
- Engaging in cultural experiences through songs, videos, and role-play
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese in the Primary program is introduced through playful exploration, emphasizing listening and speaking skills. Children develop phonetic awareness, tone recognition, and basic vocabulary through songs, poems, stories, and interactive games. Montessori-inspired hands-on activities, such as picture cards, manipulatives, and storytelling, help children associate words with objects, actions, and concepts.
Cultural learning is an essential part of the program, allowing children to explore Chinese traditions, holidays, and daily life. Key learning outcomes include:
- Oral language development through songs, chants, and conversations
- Basic vocabulary acquisition in context
- Listening comprehension and responding appropriately
- Experiencing Chinese culture, promoting cross-cultural understanding and curiosity
Music
Music supports creativity, rhythm, and cultural appreciation:
- Singing: Pitch matching, songs from multiple cultures, solfege hand signs
- Instrumental: Echoing rhythms, simple percussion, clapping patterns
- Movement (Dalcroze-Eurythmics): Coordinated dance and movement, expression through motion
- Listening & appreciation: Identifying instruments, styles, rhythms, and cultural music
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Visual Art
Art nurtures self-expression, creativity, and observation:
- Creative process: Exploration with different materials, independent and collaborative work
- Elements & principles: Color mixing, line, shape, composition, texture
- Reflection & appreciation: Discussing one’s own and others’ artwork, developing aesthetic judgment
- Art in society: Learning about historical, cultural, and contemporary art
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Personal, Social & Emotional Education
Develops identity, social skills, and self-regulation:
- Understanding feelings and emotions
- Building relationships, empathy, and cooperation
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Awareness of rights, responsibilities, and environmental stewardship
Physical Education
Supports gross and fine motor development, coordination, and fitness:
- Games and activities for agility, balance, and body control
- Movement to music and creative expression
- Cooperative games, teamwork, and problem-solving
Information & Communication Technology
Integrates technology as a tool for learning, creativity, and collaboration:
- Library skills and media literacy
- Responsible digital citizenship
Why Choose Primary at Whitby?
- Nurturing Montessori environment tailored to children’s needs
- Multi-age classrooms that encourage peer learning and mentorship
- Hands-on, sensory-rich materials that build independence
- Strong foundations in language, math, science, and social-emotional skills
- A joyful environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning