|

| Lower
Elementary |
(first grade,
second grade, third grade) |
| Upper
Elementary |
(fourth
grade, fifth grade, sixth grade) |
| Middle
School |
(seventh grade
and eighth grade). |
|
|
Montessori education
at the elementary level continues on with many of the same principles
used in the primary grades. Classrooms are organized in multi-age
groups. The Montessori method allows children to progress through
the curriculum at their own pace. The elementary-age child is
moving from an understanding of the physical world to an understanding
of abstract concepts. |
Mastery of Fundamental Skills and Basic Core
Knowledge
Elementary Montessori students explore the areas of mathematics,
science and technology, literature, history, geography, civics,
economics, anthropology and basic organization of human societies.
The studies also cover the basics found in traditional curriculums,
such as memorization of math facts, spelling lessons, the study
of vocabulary, grammar, sentence analysis, creative and expository
writing, and library research skills.
Dr. Montessori's "Great Lessons"
These are five connected stories that expand the enormous historical
frames of time and space. The first great lesson is the "Story
of the Universe", covering solar systems, oceans, and how volcanoes
cooled. The "Coming of Life" introduces the history of
life on earth from one-celled animals and plants to human beings.
The "Coming of Humans" relates the significance of human
beings, their special abilities and what differentiates them from
other life forms. The "Story of Communication in Signs"
and the "Story of Numbers" provides a look at human invention
in the context of expanding civilization. They are intended to give
children a cosmic perspective of the earth and humanities placed
within the cosmos.
Individual Chosen Research
The approach is based on library research. Students are given the
opportunity to explore and discover topics of their interest. Studies
come alive through hands-on projects and activities.

Montessori Materials and the Passage to Abstraction
The advanced elementary Montessori materials help students to understand
more complex and abstract concepts in mathematics, geometry and
pre-algebra. Hands-on materials allow the understanding of grammar,
sentence analysis, geographical facts, and concepts in science.
Language Arts and Humanities
The elementary curriculum focuses on the development of strong skills
in composition and creative writing. The students are given to read
quality literature, which is the most important key to the language
arts curriculum. They are introduced from an early age to first-class
children's books and fascinating works on science, history, geography,
and the arts. Literature is part of all the other areas of the curriculum;
with students reading stories and plays about cultures and historical
periods that they are studying.
Mathematics
Mathematics is presented through 3-dimensional, manipulative materials,
that introduces elementary students to the study of the fundamentals
of algebra, geometry, logic, statistics, along with the principals
of arithmetic; each providing a concrete way to experience an abstract
concept.
History and Culture
Elementary students study physical geography; they also discover
the emergence of the first civilizations, the struggle of humanity
through out history, and the universal needs of humankind. Upper
elementary students study the early man, ancient civilizations,
and American history. Basic economics is another important component
of the upper elementary Montessori curriculum.

Click
here for more on Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
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