Junior Primary Phase
6-9 year olds
Social and Imaginative stage
In the Montessori Primary Environment, the subject matter is integrated with moral learning, peace education and a fundamental belief in progress and contribution of each individual, the university of human beings and the meaning of truth and justice.
Key characteristics of Montessori Primary
The Montessori Primary programme reflects the special needs of the 6-12 year old child. This is a period of stability after the rapid development of the first 6 years of life and before the upheavals of puberty.
In Montessori Primary, as in pre-school, the classes are ideally grouped into 3 year age bands, 6-9 and 9-12. The mix of ages lets younger children aspire to the work of their older colleagues, while the latter can act as “little teachers”, reinforcing their own learning. Children like to work in groups and most lessons are given in small groups, according to interest and need.
Goals of the Montessori Primary Programme
Emotional Goals
- An awareness of one’s own feelings and of one’s effect on others
- Sensitivity to and consideration for the feelings of others.
- Developing a good self-image.
Benefits of the Montessori Primary Programme
The multi age class gives children more room to match their temperaments to friends: timid older children can become confident with younger ones, and self confident ones can build leadership skills. This class structure also encourages tolerance for difference.
How the needs of the 6-9 year old are met in a Montessori Environment:
Moral Needs The child has a curiosity for what is ethical and in this way develops a conscience. Grace and courtesy exercises and group discussions help the children learn acceptable behaviour. The child has a concern for environmental and social issues so participation in community projects is encouraged.
Social Needs The child’s social needs are met through group work and presentations, outings, camps, and so forth.
Spiritual/Emotional Needs These can be met through honesty and building the child’s self-esteem and self-assertion. This child needs praise and re-assurance while mastering techniques. Positive learning experiences are provided.
Physical Needs Place is provided for movement in the learning environment with space for working at tables and on the floor. Hands-on-experience is always encouraged.
Intellectual Needs This is the age of abstract thought and the imagination as a tool for creativity, so children are given opportunities to explore how and why things work. They have a great interest in the origins of things so the cultural subjects of History, Geography, Science, Botany and Zoology are provided with as much resource material as possible. Concrete material for the understanding of difficult concepts is also provided.
“The elementary child has reached a new level of development. Before he was interested in things: working with his hands, learning their names. Now he is interested in how and why … the problem of cause and effect”