Bannockburn | Leading in Montessori Education

Primary Program

The Primary Program at Bannockburn is offered to children who are between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.


The child starts the program before their fourth birthday as a half-day student. Around their fourth birthday, we start to look for signs that a child is ready for the full-day program.

The classroom functions as a multi-age environment, which provides the children with an opportunity to learn from each other. Independence, strong work habits, and social awareness are encouraged. Grace and courtesy are very essential in the community.

Work is chosen from one of the five areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture. The teacher observes the child for the development of concentration, repetition, work habits, and choice of activities. Through these observations, along with the knowledge of the child's specific needs, the teacher determines what exercises the child is ready to receive. This allows the child to move through the curriculum according to his or her own abilities, working to develop their unique potential.

The teachers keep detailed records on the progress of each child, which are updated bi-weekly. Since two-thirds of the children have been in the classroom for one or two years, routines and expectations are established and older children are able to be role models for the new students. Teachers demonstrate the exercise and guide the children when necessary.

The goal is to kindle a love of learning, with an emphasis on nurturing the spirit so the child is balanced academically, socially, physically and emotionally.

To find out more about the Primary Program and set up a personal guided tour, please contact Helen Traicus at 416.789.7855 ext. 306, or at htraicus@bannockburn.ca.