The Montessori Primary program prioritizes an indoor/outdoor classroom, incorporating the natural world into the curriculum. Whenever possible, the doors are opened, allowing children freedom to go outdoors (when the weather is mild). This freedom allows young children to move as needed and participate in activities that are inspiring and meaningful to them!
The primary environment is connected to a fenced courtyard that includes tables, gardens, and work benches for using tools. The outside activities often include things like painting and washing cloths. Garden work includes activities such as weeding, watering, and cutting flowers and herbs for the classroom. There are tools, such as hammers, saws, and hand drills, that offer the children fine motor practice. Children can also choose to bring their work or snack outside to a table. The children enjoy hearing the birds and feeling the warm sunshine and cool breezes!
The indoor/outdoor classroom is somewhat weather dependent, but the children go outside year-round! When the weather turns cold, the children continue to go outside to explore the playground, and bring in things from the natural world to explore. The take hikes around the property and help collect sap for maple syrup. However activities like using tools or easel painting have to move inside or await space in the spring.