Elementary | Curriculum

Elementary Curriculum

The Montessori curriculum inspires students to become independent learners who appreciate and understand their world. Integrated studies provide students with unique and age-appropriate materials that help them to become accountable for their use of time, for accuracy in their work and to evaluate their strengths and areas of growth. Our students have individualized work plans to allow them to use time effectively and to make appropriate choices. Students demonstrate great joy in their learning.

Language Arts

The Montessori Language Arts curriculum is designed to enhance the students’ skills in reading, comprehension, writing and speaking; and to provide connections with history, literature, science, math, and geography.

Reading:

Students increase comprehension skills through various reading activities: reading silently and aloud to peers and teachers, reading cards, reading booklets related to academic studies, SRA, Junior Great Books and home reading.

Writing:

Creative writing allows the student to express thoughts before spelling and grammar are mastered. As the student’s skills progress, sentence structure becomes more complex, spelling improves, and story-writing skills develop. Students write book reports, poetry and journals, and then learn to analyze sentences, build complex sentences and refine research skills.

Grammar:

Students study the parts of speech and their functions using classical Montessori materials such as Grammar Boxes and the Farm. Definitions and symbols are correlated with each part of speech. Grammar studies are integrated to reinforce work the child has already mastered. For example, to play the Detective Adjective game, the child must be able to identify the scalene, isosceles and equilateral triangles; and obtuse, acute and right angle.

Spelling:

Students study word families, create spelling lists, study word origins and meanings, and test their spelling skills. Nomenclature and sight words are practiced.

Handwriting:

Print and cursive skills are reinforced through practice, journaling and class work.

Foreign language:

Students study foreign language in small groups so that every student can participate in an oral and hands-on way.

Mathematics

The student entering an elementary Montessori program usually has a good math foundation. Elementary Montessori materials allow students to develop an in-depth understanding of math concepts followed by memorization of math facts. Students receive individual and small group lessons and work at their own pace. Math curriculum is organized so that students can independently follow the math sequence under the teacher’s guidance.

Geometry

Comprehensive geometry studies begin with experiences with the line and its parts and continue through studies of angles, polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles area and volume. The concepts of similarity, congruency and equivalency are also studied.

Physical Science

Our physical science program was developed by August Rossano, Sc.D. to provide a strong sequential curriculum which integrates physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, earth sciences and electricity. Studies include the use of lectures, discussion and experiments. Projects and research help students to understand abstract concepts. Some favorite activities include constructing electromagnets and models of planets, atoms and molecules.

The Universe: formation, nebulae, galaxies, gravity, laws of motion, Milky Way.

Solar System: the sun, the nine planets and their orbits.

The Sun: composition, sunspots, corona, flares, prominences, solar storms, solar winds, aurora borealis, aurora australis, source of energy (E=mC2), electromagnetic radiation spectrum, benefits & hazards of each band, eclipses.

Planet Earth: origin, inner structure, plate tectonics and effects, continental drift, volcanism, earthquakes (movement & consequences), tsunami, tides.

Matter: atomic structure, periodic table of elements, molecules, effects of gasses on the human body, laws of physics (gravity, magnetism, nuclear forces), conservation of energy and of matter, radioactivity, nuclear power.

Electricity: concept, electric circuits, dry cells, light bulbs, definitions (volt, ampere, ohm, watt), test of conductive vs. non-conductive materials, test of electrostatic materials, Van de Graf generator.

Magnetism: theory, examples of magnets, test of materials attracted by magnets, construction of electromagnet.

Biological Science

Botany

Many hands-on activities and experiments pique the students’ curiosity and engage them in the study of botany. Students study botany nomenclature and definitions, plant classification, biomes and ecosystems. Older students research native plants and help care for them in the environment.

Zoology

Children have a natural curiosity about the earth’s creatures. Zoology studies allow children to understand the system of organizing the animal kingdom, research the five classes of vertebrates and study each in depth. Students begin their studies by observing real creatures, then use cards, booklets, control charts and book research to continue their studies.

Biology

Our biology sequence was developed by Eriko Rossano, Ph.D. with the ultimate goal of inspiring an appreciation of the mechanisms of life. Lectures and audio-visual presentations enrich students’ knowledge. Model making and other hands-on activities stimulate student curiosity and creativity, solidifying the concepts introduced in class.

Cell biology: we explore organelles and their functions, protein synthesis, DNA, atoms and molecules, mitosis.

Animal physiology: respiratory, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems are compared among various types of organisms.

Stream Studies

In spring upper elementary students conduct stream studies in two watersheds. The students measure and record stream conditions, and collect and analyze stream invertebrates. We use our data to compare the watersheds, and discuss ways in which humans influence stream environments.

Geography

Geography studies are integrated with history and science. Students learn about many different cultures as they learn about other countries. Students also study the evolution of geography since the formation of the earth. Favorite activities include drawing maps and identifying countries, oceans, flora and fauna native to each continent.

The Earth
Timeline of life on Earth
Major land and water forms around the world: oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, volcanoes,       mountains and islands
Physical, cultural, economic and political geography
Flag Studies
Geology
Biomes

History

History begins with the concept of the passage of time, then geologic time and the study of civilizations throughout history.

Fine Arts

Art: Art lessons are taught using various techniques and media.

Music/Drama: Students enjoy singing, using the Montessori bells and tone bars and learning new songs. Music is integrated into the spring drama production. Students prepare for a drama production through warm-up activities; then collaborate on writing an original script. The drama program teaches students teamwork while integrating reading, writing, memorizing and public speaking skills.

Physical Education

Conditioning, strengthening, rules, cooperation and sportsmanship are taught, along with basic skills in a variety of activities.

Yearly Traditions

Many traditions enrich all students’ experiences. Each year our students participate in field trips related to curriculum studies. Short outings have included visits to arboretums, science centers, libraries, hatcheries, and children’s theater productions. Upper elementary students attend an overnight environmental education excursion and follow up with environmental studies throughout the year.

In the spring, our fine arts studies culminate in a drama production performed for families and friends.

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