Pre-Primary A and B

Our website was last updated on September 4 2024.

Pre-Primary A Environment

Mixed-Age Classroom: A Montessori Tradition

In alignment with Maria Montessori’s philosophy, our Pre-Primary classroom is a mixed-age environment, where children aged 24 to 36 months share the space with children from our Pre-Primary A program (12 to 24 months). Montessori believed that mixed-age classrooms foster peer learning, collaboration, and a sense of community. Younger children benefit from observing and emulating older peers, while older children reinforce their own learning by guiding and assisting the younger ones. This dynamic creates a rich, cooperative learning environment where every child can thrive at their own pace.


Pre-Primary A Program (12-24 Months)

At Montessori Academy of Slidell, our Pre-Primary A program is specially designed for children aged 12 to 24 months, a crucial stage in early childhood development. During this period, children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. Our program embraces the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes independence, self-discovery, and respect for each child’s individual pace of development.

Montessori in Action

In the Pre-Primary A classroom, we create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore and learn. Our carefully prepared environment is filled with age-appropriate materials that encourage hands-on learning and foster the development of fine motor skills, language, and social interaction. Activities are designed to promote independence, allowing children to make choices and engage in self-directed learning.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Practical Life Skills: At this age, children are eager to imitate the adults around them. We introduce simple practical life activities, such as pouring, spooning, and wiping, which help children develop coordination, concentration, and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Sensorial Exploration: Our classroom is rich with materials that stimulate the senses. Through activities like sorting, matching, and exploring textures, children begin to refine their sensory perceptions, laying the foundation for future cognitive development.
  • Language Development: The Pre-Primary A environment is language-rich, with opportunities for children to expand their vocabulary and communication skills. We use songs, stories, and conversations to encourage language development, helping children express themselves and understand the world around them.
  • Social Skills: Social interaction is a key component of our program. Children learn to share, take turns, and develop empathy as they interact with their peers in a supportive setting. We guide them in building positive relationships and understanding the importance of community.

Sensitive Period: Toilet Training

One of the most significant milestones during this stage is toilet training. Montessori education recognizes the importance of the sensitive period for toilet learning, a time when children show a natural interest and readiness to learn this important life skill. In our Pre-Primary A program, we work closely with parents to support toilet training in a way that respects the child’s individual readiness and encourages independence.

Our approach to toilet training is gentle and child-centered. We observe each child’s cues and readiness and provide the necessary tools and encouragement to help them succeed. This process is not rushed; instead, it’s integrated into the daily routine, allowing children to develop confidence and self-reliance at their own pace.

Join Our Pre-Primary A Community

At Montessori Academy of Slidell, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can thrive during these formative years. Our Pre-Primary A program is designed to support the whole child—emotionally, physically, and intellectually—laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning.

We invite you to visit our school, meet our dedicated teachers, and see the Montessori method in action. Together, we can support your child’s development and create a strong foundation for their future.

Pre-Primary B Environment

Our Pre-Primary B environment at Montessori Academy of Slidell is specially designed for children aged 24 to 36 months, a dynamic and transformative period in early childhood. This stage, often referred to as the "terrific twos," is marked by significant developmental milestones, particularly in emotional and social awareness. In our Montessori classroom, we nurture these emerging skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and independence.


Montessori Pedagogy in Action

The Montessori method emphasizes respect for the child's natural development, offering a child-centered approach where learning is self-directed and hands-on.

In the Pre-Primary B environment, we provide a carefully prepared space that encourages exploration, curiosity, and the development of independence. Our materials and activities are thoughtfully chosen to support the child's growing autonomy and to foster a deep sense of self-confidence.


Understanding Emotions and Social Awareness

As children approach their second birthday, they begin to experience a wide range of emotions and start to understand their place within a social group. This age is characterized by a burgeoning sense of self, as well as the ability to express and manage emotions. In our Pre-Primary B environment, we place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, helping children navigate their feelings and interactions with others.


We teach children how to recognize and name their emotions, understand the emotions of others, and develop empathy. Through guided activities, collaborative play, and gentle guidance, children learn essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. This emotional awareness is foundational to their overall development and is key to their future success in more structured learning environments.


Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio

One of the hallmarks of our Pre-Primary B environment is our low student-to-teacher ratio .This allows our educators to provide personalized attention and support to each child, ensuring that their individual needs are met. This intimate setting fosters a strong bond between teachers and students, creating a secure and trusting environment where children feel safe to explore and grow.


Key Areas of Focus

  • Practical Life Skills: Children are encouraged to participate in activities that promote independence, such as dressing, toileting, and simple household tasks like cleaning and organizing. These tasks build fine motor skills, coordination, and a sense of responsibility.
  • Language Development: At this stage, language skills are rapidly expanding. We support this growth by introducing new vocabulary, encouraging verbal expression, and engaging in conversations that enhance communication abilities.
  • Sensorial Exploration: Montessori materials designed for this age group help children refine their senses and cognitive skills. Activities involving sorting, matching, and exploring textures and colors support cognitive development and prepare children for more advanced learning.
  • Social Skills and Emotional Awareness: As children develop a sense of self and begin to navigate their emotions, we focus on teaching empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Group activities and social interactions are guided to help children learn how to interact positively with their peers.
  • Movement and Coordination: Physical activity is an important part of our Pre-Primary B environment. Children are provided with opportunities for both fine and gross motor skill development, whether through indoor activities like puzzles and stacking or outdoor play that encourages running, climbing, and balancing.

Building Independence

Independence is a core principle of Montessori education, and it is particularly important at this stage of development. In the Pre-Primary B environment, we encourage children to take on more responsibilities and make choices for themselves. From dressing and toileting to selecting activities and cleaning up, children are guided to do as much as they can on their own, fostering a sense of competence and self-reliance.


This focus on independence prepares children for the transition to the Primary environment, where they will continue to build on these skills. By encouraging autonomy in a supportive setting, we help children develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive as they progress through their educational journey.


Preparing for the Future

At Montessori Academy of Slidell, our Pre-Primary B program is designed to support the whole child socially, emotionally, and intellectually. We understand that this stage is crucial for developing the skills that will carry them forward into the Primary environment and beyond. Our goal is to create a strong foundation where children feel valued, capable, and ready to embrace the next steps in their learning journey.