Elementary aged children typically can be characterized by their curious minds, their ability to abstract and imagine, their moral and social orientation and their energy for research and exploration. Elementary children work in small, mixed-age groups on a variety of projects which spark the imagination, engage the intellect, and develop their reasoning abilities.

 

Elementary studies build knowledge through an in-depth study of the world and how it works. Studies are integrated across disciplines that include geography, biology, history, language, mathematics, science, music, and other forms of artistic expression. Exploration of each area is augmented by the children, who organize visits beyond the confines of the classroom to gain real-life knowledge from community resources, such as the library, planetarium, botanical garden, science centre, factory, hospital, etc. This approach fosters a feeling of connectedness to humanity and encourages children’s natural desire to make a contribution to the world.

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The second plane of child development - a time for imagination and reasoning.

 

The Montessori elementary curriculum was developed as an

integrated whole to serve developmental needs of children aged

6-12, or what Dr. Montessori called “the second plane of

development”. The continuity of the curriculum allows individual

children to move through the various subject areas at the pace

that is best for them, building confidence and self-esteem.

The division of the elementary into two stages, 6-9 year olds and

9-12 year olds is based on the student’s developmental needs,

as they move towards adolescence.

 

 

The work in the lower elementary classroom (ages 6-9) is done with

extensive Montessori methods material allowing the children to not

only experience the depth and breadth of the curriculum, but also

become comfortable with their own learning styles, including working

in groups with other children. The curriculum is designed to be interrelated, to spark the imagination of the lower elementary student. They will work in the core areas of reading, writing, math, practical life, history, geography, world cultures, science, art, handiwork/crafts, and music, with further specific exploration in special activities on nature and conservation, sustainable farming, and a beginning understanding of social and business entrepreneurship practices.

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A day in the life of an elementary student.

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As per AMI-recognized guidelines, we offer a full, five day week for our elementary Montessori program. A typical daily schedule is shown below. For our first school year 2021-2022, our elementary students ages 6-12 will be together in the same classroom. We anticipate splitting up the classroom into two classrooms in year 2022-2023, for ages 6-9 and 9-12.

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Typical Elementary Daily Schedule

8:30am - 8:45am arrival period and outdoor play or morning activity

8:45am - 11:45am morning work cycle and snack

11:45am - 12:00 am community meeting

12:00pm 12:30pm lunch

12:30pm - 1:00pm recess

1:00pm - 3:15pm afternoon work cycle

3:15pm - 3:30pm chores

3:30pm - 3:45pm dismissal

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