"Oak Grove Montessori is a wonderful learning environment for our children. Our boys have become more independent not only at school, but at home.  They look forward to going to school and working on different activities.  The parents are very involved with the school and the staff is professional, yet nurturing; like one big family.  We love OGM!"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Parent,   E. Greene

View Video of Primary Program

Maria Montessori has taught us through her insights that children have within them a natural urge to discover, explore, and learn. We’ve also learned that children are in a critical stage of development between birth and six years when intelligence is being formed.  At Oak Grove, we provide a space for each child to grow physcially, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.

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Maria Montessori described the Primary environment as being, "the bridge to the outside world" with exploration taking place in five main areas of the classroom:

             

                                       Practical Life Care of self, care of environment, social development

                                   Sensorial Use of the senses in absorbing facts and qualities of the world

                                   Math, Language & Cultural


The Directress or Guide
The purpose of the Montessori adult is to observe and connect the child to the environment during the periods of time when the child's "sensitivity" is heightened to a specific area of development.   It is the adult's task to carefully and constantly prepare the child's environment so that it inspires each child to engage with it.  The child is given choices of activities that enable the child to develop his own will and empowers his thought processes. In a properly prepared environment, the adult's presence is obscure and unobtrusive as he moves about the room.

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Individuality

The lessons in a Primary environment are given in three ways, most often individually, small and large group.  Both small and large group lessons provide the social settings in which children must learn self-control, grace, and courtesy.  Children are given freedom of movement and decision making as they find their own place two work, either on the floor or at a small table.  Defining their work space, including whether or not to work with a partner, allows the child opportunities to develop order, decision making, and responsibility. 

Three Year Cycle

Authentic Montesori programs include a three-year cycle in their Primary program, meaning the classroom is composed of children represesnting a three-year age span.  During a three-year cycle children have the opportunity to rotate at different social levels as followers, observers, leaders, and role models, while learning from one another.  While it is ideal to participate starting at age three, many students are just as successful having only one or two years in our Primary program, becoming adequately prepared for the increased demands of our Lower Elementary (grades first through third) program.   

Additional Reading
Finding an Authentic Montessori School
By Tim Seldin, President of the Montessori Foundation