Elementary Curriculum
These are the essential components of a Montessori elementary program:
- Hands-on materials.
- Self-paced and self-initiated.
- Multi-age community of learners.
Our enriched curriculum uses instructional materials, timelines, pictures, charts, reference materials and computer-assisted instruction. These materials guide the children’s investigations, discoveries of patterns and relationships, as well as develop their problem-solving abilities.
The classroom schedule allows uninterrupted periods of work time in a stimulating learning environment. One child may need or desire to spend more time in math one day, then more in language the next. Within generous but carefully determined guidelines, the children may choose the type of math, language or reading activities they would like to engage in daily. Over the course of a school year, the children cover curriculum tailored to meet their needs as well as develop their strengths while incorporating subjects of interest to them. By removing barriers to learning, we find that our children excel.
Collaborative learning and problem solving take place naturally when older children act as teachers to those who are younger. Through teaching the younger ones, these experienced students redefine and strengthen previously learned concepts, thus cementing their understanding and knowledge. Older children also inspire emulation as they are observed engaged in more advanced work. When many age levels are represented in a class, children connect with others at a variety of levels, not just with those at their chronological age.
Reading, Writing, Language
Opportunities abound throughout the day for reading, writing, listening and speaking. Time is set aside daily for oral and/or silent reading in addition to oral reading by the teacher. Daily writing activities begin with journaling of personal experiences, and the telling of creative stories. Grammar and punctuation mini lessons are given organically when the children’s work is reviewed by the teacher. A comprehensive and sequential word study curriculum guides the children’s learning at their own pace, according to their ability level. Handwriting lessons and frequent mini-lessons on how to make written work attractive aid the children in producing high quality work.
Mathematics
The math curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure the success of each student. Through interaction with the hands-on materials, the child discovers the underlying principles of mathematics. As the child progresses, he or she moves from the concrete to the abstract. Math facts are visually and physically represented in a variety of clear and precise ways, allowing the creation of multi-sensory images to develop in the child’s mind, making memorization easy.
Cultural Studies
Our curriculum places a unique emphasis on geography, history, as well as the biological and physical sciences. These subject areas are presented in an integrated way to highlight the connections between them.
The elementary program gives students ample opportunities to explore and learn about music, art, Spanish, and physical education.
Assessment and Evaluation
Teachers utilize daily contact with students and portfolios as evaluation tools. A child’s personal growth is also monitored and integrated into three progress reports per year. Our assessments of children include three written evaluations and two parent-teacher conferences each year. Additional parent-teacher conferences are available by request. Standardized achievement tests are administered to second year students and older each spring.
Homework
Weekly homework consists of nightly reading, Scholastic magazines, a few math worksheets, writing activities, and occasional special projects. Homework is sent home on Monday evening and due the next Monday morning.