A Day in the Life

Primary Program

The daily routine in the Primary program includes engaging, hands-on activities that spark children’s curiosity. Teachers prepare the environment based on academic and developmental needs of the children, and they spend their time giving lessons, observing, and offering assistance and guidance to support students’ budding interests. The day includes fun with friends on the playground, nature education, circle time, music, art, and other activities that make students excited to come to school!

The Primary classrooms at Riverbend includes students from ages 3 to 6. Younger students benefit from older peers’ guidance, while older children reinforce their knowledge by mentoring. This approach fosters collaboration, leadership, and a supportive community, allowing each child to progress at their own pace.

Sample Primary Program Schedule

8:30-8:50am

Arrival and Settle In

8:30-10:30am

Work Cycle, Circle Time, Snack

10:30-11:15am

Nature, Music, Art, PE, Spanish

11:15-11:55am

Recess

12:00-12:30pm

Lunch

12:30-1:15pm

Pre-K Rest/Nap Time

12:30-1:15pm

Kindergarten Literacy/Special Classes/Forest Friday

1:30-2:45pm

Afternoon Work Cycle, Snack

2:45-3:00pm

Dismissal

  • Students in the snow
  • Students laughing
  • Children's House
  • Students hugging
  • Global showcase
  • Student in playspace
  • teacher with students
  • Student working with Montessori materials
  • Primary students working at a table

Arrival

Students are dropped off at Children’s House, where a teacher helps them from their car into the building. Students place their belongings in their cubbies in the hallway, change into their indoor shoes, and proceed to the classroom to start their day.

Primary teacher and students

Morning Work Cycle

Each day, Primary students have an extended work cycle. In a Montessori classroom, “work” refers to the purposeful activities children choose and engage in as part of their learning. Montessori work is hands-on and driven by a child’s interests, helping them develop concentration, independence, and a love of learning. Teachers offer individual and small group lessons to match interests and developmental needs. The Work Cycle period also includes circle time and snack.

Montessori Curriculum

The Montessori curriculum in the Primary Program goes beyond the traditional developmental standards, and it can be adapted to each child’s learning profile and needs. Materials have been intentionally designed by Maria Montessori, as well as classroom teachers, in the following areas:

  • Language
  • Math
  • Culture/Science
  • Sensorial
  • Practical Life
  • Art

Art, Music, Spanish, Nature, PE

Art, music, movement, and nature play are infused throughout the day in the Primary classroom. In addition, Primary students enjoy a special class each day in art, nature, Spanish, or physical education. These classes give students the opportunity to uniquely focus on each subject area in a fun, engaging, hands-on way.

Recess

Recess

Primary students enjoy 45 minutes of recess each day. They go outside on the playground in most weather and have fun playing together with friends on our engaging playground equipment. On days with inclement weather, students have fun in the indoor Children’s House playspace or our gymnasium.

Lunch

Lunch

Primary students have 30 minutes for lunch each day. They eat with friends in their classroom. This is a special time for social skills development, and students work independently to open their lunch packaging and clean up after themselves. Teachers are available to help if needed, but Primary students take pride in doing things themselves whenever possible.

Primary naptime

Rest/Naptime/K Special Classes

Primary students who are not yet in Kindergarten have an hour for rest and naptime after lunch. This quiet time helps children to recharge and prepare to reengage with the class for the afternoon. During this time, Kindergarten students leave for special classes including Literacy and Forest Fridays.

Montessori materials

Afternoon Work Cycle

After nap time and Kindergarten special classes, there is a shorter work cycle in the afternoon for Primary students. Children continue engaging in activities that capture their interest, working independently or with a friend, supported by teachers as needed. This work cycle period also includes snack time and packing up at the end of the day.

Dismissal and After School

Many students stay for our After School program. At the end of the school day, teachers bring students to their After School teachers or to their caregivers in the car pickup line. Those staying after for the extended day participate in fun activities both indoors and outdoors.

Spotlight: Kindergarten Program

Kindergarteners have special programming throughout the year as they prepare to transition to the Lower Elementary program. These include:

  • Forest Fridays
  • Literacy, Art, Music, and Design Lab Classes
  • K-8th Grade Assemblies
  • Kindergarten Tea