Preprimary
Montessori School of Northern Virginia
Preprimary
The Preprimary years at MSNV are where children take their first confident steps into school life. In a calm, nurturing Montessori environment designed especially for toddlers, children begin learning how to care for themselves, connect with others, and explore their world with curiosity and joy.
Each day is built around meaningful routines and hands-on experiences that support language development, movement, social growth, and growing independence. Whether children are putting on their shoes, preparing a snack, working alongside a friend, or spending time outdoors, they are developing focus, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
With gentle guidance from caring teachers, Preprimary students learn that they are capable, curious, and valued members of their community — laying a strong foundation for the years of learning ahead.
Growing in Independence
As children gain confidence, they learn to choose meaningful work, stay engaged, and take pride in what they can accomplish on their own.
Learning to Communicate
From expressing their ideas to listening with care, children practice using words to build friendships, solve problems, and connect with others.
Making Thoughtful Choices
Children learn that their choices matter, from caring for classroom materials to showing kindness and following through on responsibilities.
Learning to Ask for Help
Children are encouraged to try things for themselves while learning that it's always okay to ask a teacher or a friend for help when they need it.
Respecting Others' Work
Children learn to respect the work of others by observing carefully, waiting patiently, and giving classmates the space they need to stay focused.
Respecting Others' Work
Children learn to respect the work of others by observing carefully, waiting patiently, and giving classmates the space they need to stay focused.
The Curriculum
| Practical Life |
The Practical Life lessons allow the child to learn to navigate the world through activities of daily living. This area is prepared with activities that provide the child with real-life opportunities and experiences to take care of himself, others, and the environment. Examples of topics/lessons include care of the indoor & outdoor environments; care of self; movement of objects; and food preparation & serving. |
| Language |
In our Preprimary classrooms, we intentionally surround children with rich and beautiful language to foster both learning and enjoyment. Through modeling, purposeful conversations, and structured lessons, we help children: express their emotions; describe their surroundings; and connect meaningfully with others. Examples of topics/lessons include verbal self-expression; naming; looking at a book independently; conversation games; and nomenclature cards. |
| Movement |
There are two main types of motor skills that children develop in early childhood: -Fine motor skills, which involve small, precise movements—like writing, buttoning a shirt, or opening containers. -Gross motor skills, which involve larger movements; like running, jumping, and balancing. Examples of topics/lessons include taking off shoes, threading beads, peeling fruit, practicing the "jacket flip." |
| Art & Music |
Art materials are set up in the classroom similarly to the practical life activities. Students are able to explore through scribbling, chalking, painting, clay, and use of simple scissors. Music is part of the classroom everyday with songs as a group, and instrument exploration. In addition the Preprimary students have a group music class once a week. Examples of topics/lessons include chalking; painting; clay; instruments; rhythm sticks; and dance. |
Visitors & Community Service
Preprimary classrooms have parent volunteers on occasions to support the children in a cooking project, craft activity or community service project of preparing treats for animals in a local shelter.
