According to Montessori philosophy a child enters the “2nd plane of development,” ages 6-12, with an increased interest in the world around him. Play takes on a more social aspect as the child spends more time interacting with others and wanting to know how the different aspects of life relate to one another.
In practical terms, a first grade Montessorian enters a whole new world on day one. The classroom changes from one in which most students are engaged in trying to understand the world in front of them, to one in which the imagination and critical thinking become a daily part of the routine.
The imagination is sparked almost immediately with what we call the first Great Lesson. The room is prepared, the lights are dimmed, and in a soft voice the teacher tells an amazing story about the creation of the universe and the formation of the stars and planets. The Great Lessons are designed to fuel the imagination and excite the children to do their own research to learn more about the topic. These stories are told every year, so that each time it is heard a child will understand more and ask more difficult questions.
Most students enter the lower elementary classroom with a solid, but basic, understanding of numbers and reading. Those who may still need help with these basics are quickly inspired to action. With so many things to do, and being able to see what the older kids are working on, children constantly want to improve so they may be able to make new discoveries and accomplish more difficult tasks. This greater interest in doing meaningful work fosters the development of self confidence and an increased ability to concentrate.
The Lower Elementary classroom, 1st to 3rd grade, embraces the needs of this child. You will see the following in our Lower Elementary program:
Community Meetings: Children take active participation in the day-to-day inner workings of the elementary classroom.
Independent Study: Children are given work plans and assignments to be completed by the end of each day or week. They learn to organize their time to allow for these lessons.
Teamwork: For many students, the first years of the Elementary program are the very first opportunities to work as a team member.
Small Group Lessons: Teachers work one on one or in small groups to deliver specific lessons to each child. These lessons capture the imagination through lots of storytelling and hands-on opportunities with beautiful materials.
Field Trips: Children have many opportunities to go out into the field to learn firsthand how things work.
Research Projects: Research is the course of study in all curriculum areas. Children are empowered to select a topic they are interested in and create a way to teach this information to their friends. Power Point is a favorite for many of our students.
Enriched Curriculum: During the six years of elementary classroom experience, the elementary child moves through exciting studies in History, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Language, and Mathematics. Work in the Montessori classroom is supplemented by multi-sensory extensions using such materials as SRA, Saxon Math, Lucy Calkins writing program, and Study Island online assessment and test prep.
Each week includes greatly anticipated “specials” such as Spanish, Music, and an excellent physical education program aligned to Arizona state standards. All children participate in our Sustainable Systems program and spend hands-on time in our vegetable and flower gardens learning about plants, composting, water conservation, zero landscaping, and solar cooking. Feeding and maintaining the goats, chickens and rabbits provides great experience and authentic practice in taking responsibility.
The end result is the education of the whole child - a child who has the opportunity to be uniquely different, and reach his/her academic potential with personal success, and who has developed a passion for lifelong learning.