Children in the primary program possess what Dr. Montessori called the absorbent mind, the ability to absorb all aspects of one’s culture and environment without effort or fatigue. She demonstrated children’s ability to read, write and calculate in the same natural way they learn to walk and talk. Montessori also saw that there are periods in children’s development when they are drawn to and select materials that match their interest. 
They are guided in developing their natural capacities for learning so that their unlimited potential may be supported. Montessori materials are designed to give specific information to children and also to foster thinking skills, independence, competence and self-confidence.
Children in a Montessori classroom are taught through their hands. Therefore, Montessori materials invite children to use their hands to learn. It is through exploration with the hands that the mind perceives and organizes information. Children coming to the Montessori classroom begin with simple exercises all children enjoy. The materials they use help them to develop concentration, coordination and the necessary working habits for more advanced exercises in motor and sensory education, linguistic skills and mathematical concepts.
A Montessori program is purposefully structured, thereby giving children an early enthusiasm for learning and the key to their becoming an educated citizen of the world. When children leave a Montessori classroom they are well prepared to meet new challenges and experience life in a thoughtful and positive way.
Practical Life exercises instill care for self, for others, and for the environment.
Specific tasks help children develop muscular coordination, enabling movement and the exploration of their surroundings. They learn to work at a task from beginning to end, and develop their powers of control and concentration. Sensorial materials serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive skills, and learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment.
Language development is vital to human development. The Montessori environment is rich in oral language opportunities, allowing the child to experience conversations, stories and poetry. The sandpaper letters help children link sound and symbol effortlessly, encouraging the development of written expression and reading skills. To further reading development, children are exposed to the study of grammar.
Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology, are presented as extensions of the sensorial and language activities. Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. Through familiarity, children come to feel connected to the global human family. Lessons and experiences with nature inspire a reverence for all life.
Mathematics activities help children learn and understand the concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials. This work gives children a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles, prepares them for later abstract reasoning, and helps to develop problem-solving capabilities.
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