The world of reading is expanded upon, and most children are capable readers by the time they are in first grade. It must be noted here that children are not forced into reading. They are encouraged to go at their own pace and continue on as they feel comfortable, for no one who is forced to do something against their will, will be a success at it. Writing is also developed more and children are encouraged to write daily in their journals. Spelling is a big part of the curriculum at this time, and children will have weekly spelling quizzes. It must be noted that children are not forced to go on if they are not comfortable with their words. Children in one class are not given the same list of words to learn. Each child gets a spelling list that is exactly at the level of where he or she is, and will move on only when comfortable.
In a Montessori school, children of this age are not given homework as much as children in a traditional school. Montessori Academy gives their elementary students reading assignments and their weekly spelling lists to learn. The rest of the subjects require the students to handle the materials in the classroom; therefore, it is not possible to do many of the things required by the curriculum at home. What they can do at home comes in a folder with directions and explanations. Parents can include notes to the teachers. The folder is returned in the morning.
Elementary Science
The study of science continues to expand science being brought into the classroom. They will bring back with them items such as leaves, fossils, rocks, or any other interesting finds that will help them in their exploration of how things work.
Studies begun at the Lower Elementary level will continue to expand from the concrete to the abstract in a-hands-on way that will make the understanding of science complete. Children will construct models and charts; explore astronomy, botany and zoology. They will measure, experiment, analyze and observe all aspects of science that traditional students may not study until high school.
Elementary Mathematics
The study of mathematics grows more complex, yet the students are still captivated by the unique Montessori method of learning. Again, the children are in a prepared environment which moves from the concrete to the abstract. The understanding of mathematics comes very easily to a Montessori child. The child is not pushed to go beyond his/her level of comfort, and a thorough understanding of the area being studied is reached before the child moves on.
The mathematics curriculum continues to work from the concrete to the abstract to create a greater understanding of the mathematical concepts. The strength of the Montessori math curriculum is in the practical application of mathematical concepts in solving real problems in areas such as science, engineering, technology, and economics.
The Elementary Arts
The arts cover many other areas. Children will learn to play musical instruments, sing songs from different cultures, and continue the study of classical and modern artists that was begun at the primary level. It is not unusual to find a six-year-old Montessori student who is familiar with the work of Chopin and names Renoir as his favorite artist.
Elementary Foreign Language
Foreign Language continues to be presented to the children. There is at least one Teacher or Assistant who is fully bilingual and is there to help in teaching children Spanish. It is believed that the younger a child is when he/she is exposed to a new language; the easier it will be for them to understand, thus making the acquisition of a new language more achievable.
To sum up the Montessori elementary education easily - the love of learning continues.
The upper elementary students of a Montessori school are aged 9-12. Again, as in all the previous stages, there is an expansion upon what has already been learned in the areas of care of self, the environment, animals and others.
In the lower elementary, the child learned to develop responsibility and time management in their work cycle. Reading and Mathematics are firmly established, and we are now ready to take on the more substantial curriculum of learning culture, and the arts and sciences to a greater degree than is found in other more traditional schools. Children at this age will find their studies to be more in depth, but nonetheless challenging, stimulating and fun.
Community Extensions
The community in a Montessori classroom is the three-year age grouping and the two teachers and hopefully a home based involvement on a significant level. We recognize the need to develop toward healthy whole adulthood. At the upper elementary level we extend our community to the outside world. We nurture the spirit of tolerance, compassion, cooperation and good sportsmanship. The students are encouraged to continue to grow helpful and of service to others. They are volunteering, having tree planting ceremonies on Arbor Day, and learning leadership skills by working with small groups of younger children enrolled in our school.
Elementary History
For children of a Montessori classroom, history comes to life. Children will not learn dates and facts, but will immerse themselves in an era. Great works of literature will be read, plays will be written, enacted, and produced entirely by the children. Field trips will be taken that will enforce what a child has already been discovering at school. In addition to this, the child will begin a three-year thematic study, which will build upon itself, until the child has a full understanding of the subject being studied.
Elementary Holistic Studies
The Montessori curriculum is always presented in an integrated fashion. If children are learning about Africa, they will learn African dances, study African literature, sample African foods, and learn about African history, art, music, languages, architecture, economics etc.
Computer and the Internet
Finally, throughout their elementary years, the children are taught how to use a computer and the Internet. The computer will be used in the classroom for research writing, presentations and email correspondence. By the end of the elementary years, Montessori students have been well prepared for the world around them. Respect for others, the environment and themselves, a love of learning, and an unparalleled education are all gifts that a child has received with a Montessori education. It will last them a lifetime.
The world of reading is expanded upon, and most children are capable readers by the time they are in first grade. It must be noted here that children are not forced into reading. They are encouraged to go at their own pace and continue on as they feel comfortable, for no one who is forced to do something against their will, will be a success at it. Writing is also developed more and children are encouraged to write daily in their journals. Spelling is a big part of the curriculum at this time, and children will have weekly spelling quizzes. It must be noted that children are not forced to go on if they are not comfortable with their words. Children in one class are not given the same list of words to learn. Each child gets a spelling list that is exactly at the level of where he or she is, and will move on only when comfortable.
The study of science continues to expand science being brought into the classroom. They will bring back with them items such as leaves, fossils, rocks, or any other interesting finds that will help them in their exploration of how things work.
The study of mathematics grows more complex, yet the students are still captivated by the unique Montessori method of learning. Again, the children are in a prepared environment which moves from the concrete to the abstract. The understanding of mathematics comes very easily to a Montessori child. The child is not pushed to go beyond his/her level of comfort, and a thorough understanding of the area being studied is reached before the child moves on.