Pewaukee Lake Montessori Academy
Pre-Primary Program
Maximum: 18 students per classroom
Faculty Ratio: 8:1
The Pre-Primary class is an environment prepared to meet the developmental needs and high energy levels of children who are trans
itioning from the toddler to the preschool room. Of particular importance in this program is preparation of children for the larger works of the primary classroom with a focus on self-care including grace and courtesy, internal self discipline and the ability to make choices in the classroom.
In addition to being exposed to math materials that help the children develop an awareness of numbers, counting and basic math operations, at this stage the children also have access to a special language area with materials to develop the preliminary skills for writing and reading. Specially-created materials in the Pre-Primary room serve to give the children a sense of satisfaction and become more independent in their learning.
While in the Pre-Primary room, children are introduced to the classroom and gently encouraged in the social skills needed for classroom behavior. They learn how to focus their attention at circle, how to do independent “jobs”, and how to care for themselves, including feeding, dressing, and mastering the use of the restroom. Along the way they exuberantly laugh, sing, dance and play as they prepare to go into the the “big room”!
You Will Find:
- Child sized furniture
- Book corner for looking at books alone, with friends or a teacher
- Manipulative play area for puzzles and age-appropriate materials that help develop hand/eye coordination
- Art area for working with paints, crayons, markers, glue and play dough
The Curriculum Includes:
- Practical Life activities such as pouring water, spooning, using tongs, etc. to develop small muscle coordination and concentration span
- Pre-language activities such as matching pictures and objects and learning vocabulary
- Pre-math activities such as number puzzles and counting
- Sensorial activities to distinguish shape, color and dimension
- Circle time for finger plays, songs, movement activities, dancing
- Self-help skills encouraged such as dressing, washing hands, eating independently, toileting Social skills, playing cooperatively, verbalizing feelings, trusting new adults (teachers), and developing first friendships
- Development of concentration ability - our teachers never interrupt a child’s concentration. This gives the child space to explore materials without adult interference
- Development of self-confidence.
“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.” Maria Montessori"
