Primary Level is where the children  become independent learners.   A Montessori classroom is much different from a traditional classroom in that the children do not sit in perfectly aligned desks with the teacher at the front of the class giving a lesson.  In a Montessori classroom, the children are free to work in a space that best fits them, whether it be on the floor on a rug or sitting at a child-sized table.  Each child is guided by the teacher to explore and learn lessons that they are interested in.  As they complete and master each skill, the skills or lessons gradually increase in difficulty.  This method allows the children to gain confidence in themselves, while also fully comprehending what is being taught before moving on. This is in contrast to a traditional learning environment where the children are all learning the same activity at the same level. This will mean that some children are left behind because they do not understand while others are bored because they are not being challenged. This can damage confidence as well as their joy of learning.

Primary is the level where the older children begin to help the younger students with their lessons and activities. This is another unique part of the Montessori education.  Children collaborate with one another and teaching a lesson to another student helps reinforce the lesson.  This is the level where students begin to utilize the Montessori “3-hour work period”.  Students focus and use 2-3 hours in the morning to really concentrate on their work.  This is the time of day when the child’s mind is most focused and ready to learn. Montessori Academy of Spartanburg takes advantage of this scientifically proven learning time, so that the students benefit fully.  In the afternoon, the 3-4 year olds take a nap while the 5-6 year olds continue to do their work.

Students begin to use a weekly work plan at this level.  The weekly work plan allows children to choose their work while staying on an implemented learning track.  This also is the level where the students begin their concrete to abstract learning.  The students will begin to encounter more advanced Didactic Materials created by Dr. Maria Montessori.  Here is a list of subjects in which the students will do work.

• Mathematics
• Reading(Phonics)/Writing
• Science
• Geography
• Geometry
• History

The students also continue with the subjects and concepts that began at earlier levels such as the following:

• Foreign Languages
• Art
• Music
• Economics
• Everyday Life Skills
• Observational Skills
• Nature Study
• Grace and Courtesy

The Montessori education is based on using building blocks to help the child learn.  The children are taught to continue using the skills they have learned so that they refine and reinforce those skills.  The dozens of Practical Life skills like spooning, pouring and using tools are also a key part of their Primary Level education.  This is continued on from the Pre-Primary level.

The Primary Level is the true foundation of a child’s education at Montessori.  It is the time of a child’s greatest learning and is the finalization of the Absorbent Mind period.  This is when a child develops a positive attitude toward school as well as a love of learning. They will bolster their habits of concentration, initiative and self-discipline.  A child will be well-prepared for not only the next level of their education, but also for the rest of their academic life.