Primary/La Maison des Enfants Morris Campus

Primary children continue to develop functional independence in daily living tasks. The three-year cycle in this classroom allows each child to experience an environment where materials are familiar but presented in new ways as students develop and master beginning lessons. Children transition from watching and imitating older students to feeling the pride that comes from being an experienced leader and mentor to younger classmates. Lessons are offered in Practical Life activities, Sensorial Exploration, Language, Mathematics, Sciences, Music, and Creative Expression. These lessons are reinforced by the children’s innate desire for mastery through repetition and practice. The freedom to choose these activities is the key to each individual’s personal expression and development. At the Primary level the French Language experience is provided by French speaking assistants and support staff with children’s comprehension and use of French increasing over their three year tenure. Grace and Courtesy lessons contribute to social development and independence by providing a sense of responsibility to the classroom community. Freedom with responsibility is the foundation of a high-fidelity Montessori environment. Our Lead Guides and assistants are AMI-certified and have trained at Montessori Northwest here in Portland to foster an authentic Montessori experience for the children in our care.