Below is just one of many possible ways to organize the primary Montessori experiences (primary being ages 2.5-6 years of age, or the developmental equivalent). Eight intervals across the 3.5-4 years of Primary Montessori (a child could potentially be in primary from the age of 2.5 until almost 6.5).Each individual child might be ahead/behind in particular areas (i.e. sensorial language skills) but these are roughly where the pieces fit.
NOTE the mentioning of the same heading in various areas - each of these items/experiences has many layers to it. Indeed most of what is below has many layers even within a particular interval.
As defined here, an interval is approximately a 6-month span of time when a child begins at 2 1/2 years of age. If/when a child starts later, then we begin with the first interval and proceed at the child's pace (which is what we do anyway - it just means that it might be faster; or it is ok if a child does take a full 6 months).
A child entering primary at age 5 or older? Check our other Montessori Nuggets for suggestions.
Would you like to download this Primary Montessori Basic Intervals file as a Word doc? Click here.
(edited 2/22/15 - updated the link)
Primary Montessori:
Suggested Order of Presentations
Follow your
child’s needs and interests. Within each level (interval) provided here, there
are few pre-requisites; generally any pre-reqs refer to something in the
previous interval. Refer to the album pages for details how to present as well
as what to present or invite work on for each age. Older children entering
Montessori will move more quickly through some areas. That is fine. Or slower.
That is fine too. For a typically developing 2.5 year old just beginning, these
levels approximate 6-month increments, with notes of what will take longer.
Anything
noted as “Cont” means “Continue into the next interval or even beyond –
continue as needed for that child.” With that said, almost everything can be
continued for any duration or in extension work or interests – do not be
limited by this scope and sequence, but freed to focus on developmentally
appropriate activities for your child, providing you time to encourage
interests and family experiences.
Recall too
that the practical life presentations are not limited to what is listed here. Add
practical life and art and outdoor activities as are appropriate to your
children. The albums you follow will have additional suggestions as well as
guidelines for appropriate additions.
NOTE that
these presentations each contain a series of layers (extensions, games,
exercises, follow-ups) that are designed to be given in a particular sequence,
at particular readiness-ages – some earlier, some later. Please refer to your album pages
for the specifics.
First Interval: Entrance
into Primary Montessori
EPL: Control of Movement
|
Walking on the Line
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Orientation Game
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Naming Objects in the Environment
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Collecting Classified Objects
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Classified Cards
|
Continue until reading
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Storytelling
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Reading and Books in the Library
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Poems
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Conversation
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Conversation
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Question Game
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Cultural Folders
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Extension:
fictional story telling
|
Cont
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Carry a Working Mat
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Place a Pitcher
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Carry a Tray
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Roll a Working Mat
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Put Down a Chair
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Sit On a Chair at a Table
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Fold Napkins
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Pour Grain
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Pour Water
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Fold a Dust-cloth to Put Away
|
|
EPL: Preliminary Exercises
|
How to Fold a Dust-cloth to Dust
|
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Snap Frame
|
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Hook and Eye Frame
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Dust a Table
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Use a Dustpan and Brush
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Sweep
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Wipe Up a Spill
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Dust Leaves
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Make Lemon Water
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Walk Around A Mat
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Introduce Yourself
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Apologize
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Observe
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Draw Attention
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Accept a Compliment
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
How to Blow Your Nose
|
|
EPL: Grace and Courtesy
|
Own Grace and Courtesy
|
|
Writing
|
Sound Games
|
Cont
|
Language Extension
|
How to Teach a Song
|
Cont
|
Second Interval
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Practical Life Objects
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Parts of an Object
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Language of the Sensorial Materials
|
Cont
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Three Period Lesson
|
Cont
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Related Objects Game
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Description/Definition Game
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Stories – Biological Classifications
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Sorting Game – Biology Classifications
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Nomenclature Cards – Scientific
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Life Cycles
|
|
Spoken:Vocabulary Enrichment
|
Oral Language Games
|
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Land and Water Form Folders
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Land and Water Form Outline Maps
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Biome Folders
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
Art Folders
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
How to Wash Hands
|
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
How to Polish Shoes
|
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Button Frame
|
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Buckle Frame
|
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Zipper Frame
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Polish Glass
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Care for Plants
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Polish Wood
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Wash a Table
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Wash Cloths
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Iron
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Arrange Flowers
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Wash Fruits and Vegetables
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Bake
|
|
EPL: Control of Movement
|
The Silence Activity
|
Cont
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Rubbings (Exploration of Texture)
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Cutting - Snipping
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Cutting - Lines
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Cutting and Gluing (Exploration of Space)
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Painting (Exploration of Color)
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Sculpting (Exploration of Form)
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Beginning Sewing
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Cylinder Blocks
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Pink Tower
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Brown Stair
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Red Rods
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Color
|
Color Tablets Box I
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Color
|
Color Tablets Box II
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Color
|
Color Tablets Box III
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Geometry Cabinet
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Binomial Cube
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Sensitizing Fingers
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Touch Boards
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Touch Tablets
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Blindfold
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Fabrics
|
|
Sensorial: Baric
|
Baric Tablets
|
|
Sensorial: Gustatory
|
Tasting Bottles
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Bells
|
Cont
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Sandpaper Globe
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Continents Globe
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
World Puzzle Map
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Continent Puzzle Map
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
United States Puzzle Map
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Land and Water Forms
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Oceans Globe
|
Cont
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Flags
|
Cont
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Climatic Zones
|
Cont
|
Writing
|
Sound Games
|
Cont
|
Writing
|
Sandpaper Letters
|
|
Writing
|
Sandpaper Phonograms
|
|
Writing
|
Metal Insets
|
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Book Making
|
Cont
|
Language Extension
|
Plant Study
|
Cont
|
Third Interval
Spoken: Language Development
|
Land and Water Form Outline Maps:
|
Cont
|
Spoken: Language Development
|
My State
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Bow Frame
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Lacing Frame – V Pattern
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Lacing Frame – X Pattern
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Lacing Frame – Linear Pattern
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of Self
|
Safety Pin Frame
|
Cont
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Polish Metal
|
|
EPL: Care of the Environment
|
How to Peel & Cut Fruits and Vegetables
|
Cont
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Contour Drawing with Crayon (Exploration of Line)
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Drawing with Colored Pencils
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Sewing a Button
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Cylinder Blocks
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Pink Tower
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Brown Stair
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Red Rods
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Color
|
Color Tablets Box III
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Geometry Cabinet
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Geometry Cards
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Leaf Cabinet
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Trinomial Cube
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Touch Tablets
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Trinomial Cube
|
|
Sensorial: Tactile
|
Fabrics
|
|
Sensorial: Baric
|
Baric Tablets
|
|
Sensorial: Thermic
|
Thermic Bottles
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Thermic
|
Thermic Tablets
|
|
Sensorial: Gustatory
|
Tasting Bottles
|
|
Sensorial: Olfactory
|
Smelling Bottles
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Sound Cylinders
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Bells
|
|
Sensorial: Stereognostic
|
Geometry Solids
|
|
Sensorial: Stereognostic
|
Stereognostic Bags
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Stereognostic
|
Mystery Bag
|
Cont
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Continent Puzzle Map
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
United States Puzzle Map
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Climatic Zones
|
|
Sensorial Aspects of the World
|
Climatic Zones
|
|
Writing
|
Sound Games
|
|
Writing
|
Sandpaper Letters
|
|
Writing
|
Sandpaper Phonograms
|
|
Writing
|
Small Metal Insets
|
Fourth Interval
Spoken: Language Development
|
Land and Water Form Outline Maps
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Geometry Cabinet
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Geometry Cabinet Cards
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Leaf Cabinet Cards
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Constructive Triangles
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Rectangular Box A
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Rectangular Box B
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Triangular Box
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Large Hexagonal Box
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Small Hexagonal Box
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
12 Blue Triangles
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Graded Geometric Figures
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Decanomial Square
|
|
Sensorial: Thermic
|
Thermic Tablets
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Sound Cylinders
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Bells
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Stereognostic
|
Geometry Solids
|
Cont
|
Writing
|
Movable Alphabet:
|
|
Writing
|
Map Making
|
Cont
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Sand Tray
|
Cont
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Chalkboards
|
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Paper Material
|
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Initial Strokes
|
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Green Boards (Initial strokes)
|
|
Writing - Art of Handwriting
|
Handwriting Charts – 5
|
Cont
|
Musical Expression
|
Notation with the Bells
|
Cont
|
Musical Expression
|
Note Names with the Bells
|
Cont
|
Musical Expression
|
Reading Music
|
Cont
|
Language Extension
|
Clapping – Rhythm
|
Cont
|
Language Extension
|
Plant Experiments
|
Cont
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Number Rods
|
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Sandpaper Numerals (cyphers)
|
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Number Rods and Cards
|
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Spindle Boxes
|
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Zero Activity
|
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Cards and Counters
|
|
Mathematics: Numbers 1-10
|
Memory Game of Numbers (Chit Game)
|
Fifth Interval
EPL: Visual Art
|
Advanced Cutting
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Advanced Sewing – Running Stitch
|
|
EPL: Visual Art
|
Sewing a Pillow (Student’s Own Presentation)
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Decanomial Square
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Decanomial Square
|
Cont
|
Sensorial: Visual - Dimension
|
Knobless Cylinders
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Bells
|
|
Writing
|
Movable Alphabet
|
|
Reading: Phonetic Reading
|
Phonetic Object Box
|
|
Reading: Phonetic Reading
|
Phonetic Reading Cards
|
|
Reading: Phonetic Reading
|
Phonetic Reading Commands
|
|
Reading: Phonetic Reading
|
Phonetic Booklets
|
|
Reading: Phonetic Reading
|
Rhyming Words
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Phonogram Object Box and Alphabet Boxes
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Phonogram Shadow Box
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Phonogram Booklets -
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Phonogram Cards
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Phonogram Alphabet Exploration
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Phonogram Commands
|
|
Reading: Puzzle Words
|
Puzzle Words
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Staff, Ledger Lines, G-Clef
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Note Names on the Numbered Staff Board
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Note Names on the Unmarked Staff Board
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Unmarked Staff Boards – Parallel Exercise 1: Matching Cards
with Bells
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Unmarked Staff Boards – Parallel Exercise 2: Nomenclature
Cards
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Unmarked Staff Boards – Parallel Exercise 3: Grading
|
|
Musical Expression
|
Composing on the Bells
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Introduction to the Bead Material
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Introduction to the Card Material
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Formation of Numbers
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Change Game
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Addition with the Golden Beads
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Subtraction with the Golden Beads
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Multiplication with the Golden Beads
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Division with the Golden Beads
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Stamp Game Addition
|
Cont
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Stamp Game Subtraction
|
Cont
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Stamp Game Multiplication
|
Cont
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Stamp Game Division
|
Cont
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Teens Stage I: Teen Boards 11-19
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Teens Stage II: Teen Boards 11-19
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Teens Stage III: Teen Beads and Boards 11-99
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Tens Stage I: Tens Boards 10-90
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Tens Stage II: Tens Beads and Boards 10-90
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Tens Stage III: Tens Beads and Boards 11-99
|
Sixth Interval
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Geometry Cabinet Cards
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Shape
|
Leaf Cabinet Cards
|
|
Sensorial: Visual - Combined
|
Decanomial Square
|
|
Sensorial: Auditory
|
Bells
|
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Research
|
Cont
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Spelling
|
Cont
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Dictionary
|
Cont
|
Reading: Phonograms
|
Personal Dictionary
|
Cont
|
Reading: Puzzle Words
|
Puzzle Words
|
Cont
|
Reading Classification
|
Presentation I – Classifying the Environment
|
Cont
|
Reading Classification
|
Presentation II – Cards with Labels
|
|
Reading Classification
|
Presentation III
|
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Article -
|
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Adjective
|
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Logical Adjective
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Detective Adjective
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Conjunction
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Preposition
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Verb
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Adverb
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Logical Adverb
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Continuation of Commands
|
Cont
|
Reading: Function of Words
|
Symbol and Phrase Game
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Compound Words
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Suffixes
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Prefixes
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Word Families
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Adjectives
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Singular and Plural
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Synonyms
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Antonyms
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Homophones
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Homographs
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Animal Collectives
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Animals and Their Young
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Animal Sounds
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Animal Homes
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Animal Families
|
Cont
|
Reading: Word Study
|
Contractions
|
Cont
|
Musical Expression
|
Unmarked Staff Boards – Parallel Exercise 4:
Descriptions/Definitions
|
|
Language Extension
|
Who Am I?
|
Cont
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Dot Game
|
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Word Problems
|
cont
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Linear Counting: Stage I – Hundred Chain
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Linear Counting: Stage II – Thousand Chain
|
|
Mathematics: Counting
|
Skip Counting
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Addition Snake Game
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Addition Strip Board
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Addition Charts
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Subtraction Snake Game
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Subtraction Strip Board
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Subtraction Charts
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Multiplication with Bead Bars
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Multiplication Board
|
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Multiplication Charts
|
Seventh Interval
Reading Analysis
|
Simple Sentences Stage I
|
Reading Analysis
|
Simple Sentences Stage II
|
Reading Analysis
|
Simple Sentences Stage III
|
Mathematics: Decimal System
|
Long Division with Bows
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Unit Division Board
|
Mathematics: Memorization
|
Division Charts
|
Mathematics: Fractions
|
Introduction to Fractions
|
Mathematics: Fractions
|
Fraction: Operations
|
Eighth Interval
If primary children do not get to this work, they will have
appropriate elementary versions presented. Some children will get to these
presentations; some will not.
M: Passage to Abstraction
|
Small Bead Frame
|
M: Passage to Abstraction
|
Wooden Hierarchical Material
|
M: Passage to Abstraction
|
Large Bead Frame
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M: Passage to Abstraction
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Division with Racks and Tubes
|
