Our Elementary Program provides a continuation of the Montessori Method and promotes intellectual curiosity, creativity and individual growth through academics, arts, athletics and a variety of enrichment activities.
The transition from Pre-K/Kindergarten to Elementary is smooth within the Montessori classroom. Many materials overlap in the beginning and are used in an efficient manner so that children adapt easily to the next level of education.
The Montessori Elementary curriculum is based on the Montessori philosophy of ‘Cosmic Education.’ Cosmic education is a method devised by Dr. Maria Montessori to use as the chief means of education in the period 6-12 years; it is a method of presenting the cosmic plan to children and allowing them to learn about the universe in an integrated way.
At Meadow Montessori School, we know the importance of creating a rich, diverse learning environment in which children have the opportunity to explore and experience a wide range of interests. Our enriched curriculum includes a variety of activities designed to enlighten as well as intrigue the young minds and bodies of our students.
The Montessori Elementary Classroom
The Montessori Elementary Classroom is a welcoming environment where children are provided with the opportunity to fully discover their learning potentials, while receiving ongoing individualized support for each of their academic, social and emotional needs. The Montessori materials enable open-ended exploration allowing the children to develop according to individual abilities and skills.
The multi-age classroom provides children with the opportunity for broad social development and enhanced learning. Having cooperative learning encourages children to engage in peer teaching and social interaction.
The teacher will strive to meet the developmental needs and learning styles of each child. Children are taught in small groups or on an individual basis which allows them to master their skills at their own pace in a non-competitive atmosphere. As concepts are mastered, new ones are introduced.
The Montessori Elementary Curriculum
Emphasis is placed on respect, compassion, problem solving and conflict resolution. We focus on understanding values such as; friendship, generosity, courage, forgiveness, and patience. With these strong values, children will develop positive attitudes toward learning and the world around them.
Language Language is an important part of our curriculum. As a child first learns a phonetic sound, they begin to associate that sound to everything they see and hear. By the time a child reaches the elementary level, reading has turned into understanding every word in a sentence and their grammatical role. The goal is to ensure that children understand the functions of both written and oral language.
Elements of our language enriched curriculum:
- Reading
- Oral Language
- Poetry
- Creative Writing
- Grammar
- Research Skills
- Sentence analysis
- Handwriting/Printing
- Vocabulary
- Literature
- Punctuation
- Spelling/word structure
Mathematics When learning math within the Montessori classroom, the aim is to begin with tangible materials that the child can see and touch and slowly move to a more abstract way of learning.
Elements of our Mathematics curriculum:
- Numeration
- Estimation
- Decimals
- Place Value
- Mental Math
- Fractions
- Graphing/Charting
- Measurement
- Money
- Problem-solving
- Time
- Geometry
Culture Studies The purpose of Culture studies is to develop a view of the world as a whole and to see the interdependence of all life (Geography, History, Botany, and Zoology). This area of the classroom provides insight to a child to help understand the “bigger picture”. As you leave your house, your city, your province, your country and so forth, there is more to learn and to understand.
Geography Geography is the study of our home, the Earth. The information is organized from the general; beginning of the universe, to the specific; Earth, Country, City, Town. Students will not only develop an appreciation for the people of the world – their similarities and differences – but will see the inter-relatedness of all things, particularly themselves and the environment. Elements of our Geography curriculum:
- Biomes
- Physical Science
- Earth Science
- Physical Geography
- Cultural Geography
- Geography Resources
History/The Five Great Lessons The study of History begins with an introduction to the concepts of time and culture. Once the children have an awareness of clocks and calendars, they begin to look at History from the beginning of time when the universe was created. The timelines are essential History materials.
Elements of our History curriculum:
- History of Early Human Beings
- Measurement of Time
Botany and Zoology From understanding why water is important to a plant, to learning about the vital functions of a bird, children truly are fascinated every step of the way about life around them.
- Biomes
- Botany is the study of plants. The knowledge of plants, the needs of plants, the leaf, the roots, the stem, the flower, the seed, the fruit and the classification of plants.
- Zoology is the study of animals. Children are fascinated by animals – their growth, their needs and their habitats.
French The approach used for the French program combines the use of gestures, songs/music, storytelling, art and error analysis. The program begins at the Kindergarten level.
Art We have a fine arts program where children can learn to explore with a variety of mediums. Our instructor guides the students through a variety of techniques. With access to a variety of art materials, children can create on their own time, a masterpiece, using paint, pastels, clay, etc. We hold an annual Art Show near the end of the year.
Elements of our Art curriculum:
- Creative Expression through Art Materials and Tools
- Artistic Awareness
- Art Appreciation
Music/Drama In addition to our Music Instructor’s weekly specialized lessons of music from around the world, the students are exposed to a broad range of percussion instruments, history and encouraged to explore and create their own rhythms.
Social/Emotional Learning We teach specialized groups for anger, anxiety, bullying or other social issues to provide children with the tools to lead a life of social wellness. Mindfulness and peaceful conflict resolution is a part of our curriculum for everyone.
Physical Education As children are growing they need an outlet for their increasing energy. Our program will respond to their physical needs and their love for movement. Our goal is to promote fitness, and encourage a positive attitude toward exercise. With organized activities to build confidence and athleticism, children will participate in physical education bi-weekly as well as daily physical activity. Emphasis on cooperative games, team-building, sportsmanship, and individual challenges will build the foundation for the program. The study of nutrition and the human body are included in our curriculum.
Field Trips & Walk-Abouts Montessori elementary education has a unique emphasis on encouraging children to go outside of the classroom to access information and resources. This can be as simple as a trip to the Library or local community event. Children will also enjoy several field trips, to promote research and discussions on topic’s the class will be studying. Parent volunteers are invited to participate.
