The Primary Program at Garfield Montessori School implements the Montessori curriculum, encompassing core areas such as practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, social and cultural studies, science, geography, biology, and history. The program is further enriched with specialized disciplines, including music, visual arts, and physical education, to foster well-rounded development. After-school enrichment classes will be offered to the Primary Program, including fine arts, music, sports, cooking, and dance. 

Examples of Montessori concepts/activities for primary students:

Practical Life – Practical, real-life activities are offered to help children develop a sense of order, concentration, coordination, independence, respect for others, fine motor skills, grace and courtesy, confidence, and self-esteem. These activities primarily focus on movement and motor skills, self-care, care of the environment, and social manners. 

Sensorial – The iconic sensorial materials in the classroom isolate specific sensory qualities and provide concrete experiences of abstract concepts. These activities help children make sense of their environment by refining their visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory senses. Through this sensory work, children develop foundational cognitive skills that support intellectual growth. 

Language – Our language program is based on phonics and filled with fun, interactive activities that help children develop their speaking, reading, and writing skills. Starting with oral language, children learn to connect sounds with letters and begin to understand how grammar works. Through this process, they build confidence and a love for language that supports their ongoing learning. 

Mathematics – Children explore numbers by learning about quantities and their matching symbols through hands-on Montessori materials. These activities encourage logical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of math concepts. Step by step, children build a solid foundation that enables them to grasp the decimal system and work confidently with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using multi-digit numbers. 

Geography – Children develop an awareness of the world through hands-on materials such as maps, globes, and puzzles. They explore landforms, continents, and basic geography concepts to gain an understanding of their place on Earth. Cultural lessons connect geography with people’s lives, fostering curiosity and respect for different environments and communities. 

History – Children develop a sense of time through daily routines, timelines, and seasonal changes. They explore how people lived in the past and begin to understand the concepts of past, present, and future. Through cultural stories, celebrations, and hands-on materials, children build respect for diversity and a deeper connection to the human experience. 

Biology – Children will explore living and non-living things, the differences between plants and animals, and caring for classroom animals. They learn to observe life cycles, parts of plants and animals, and how living things interact with their environment. This biological study fosters respect for nature and an understanding of the interdependence of life. 

Science – Children will engage in exciting, hands-on experiments that encourage active participation through trial and error, exploring natural laws such as magnetism, buoyancy, evaporation, chemical reactions, and light and color. 

Motor – Children develop fine and gross motor skills through purposeful activities and movement. These experiences build coordination, control, and physical confidence. 

Mandarin Immersion for Primary Program aims to develop children’s listening, speaking, and reading skills in Mandarin, while supporting the early stages of writing. In a rich and developmentally appropriate bilingual environment, children build strong communication skills in both Mandarin AND English. The program also fosters an appreciation of Chinese language and traditional culture through stories, songs, foods, celebrations, and cultural activities.