Elementary Curriculum Content |
Click below for quick link to:
Language
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Social Studies and Science
Arts and Crafts
Geometry
Human Relations Curriculum
Music
Physical Education
Summer Programs
Robotics
|
Language |
Language is an important part of the Montessori curriculum.
Its treatment as a separate subject come only at the points in which it is necessary to give clarity to the child's mind - that is, to give him or her conscious awareness of language in order that it may be used more effectively. Once the child has an understanding that writing is a graphic form of language, these special points center around spelling, word study, penmanship, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. The real experience in reading and writing comes through the child's work in other areas of the curriculum, such as geography, history, botany, etc.
Because children have different cognitive styles, they are provided with a different means for learning in the way that is best for him or her.
Once reading is mastered, the child expands into reading quality literature and poetry and into self-expression through creative writing. |
Foreign Language |
| Conversational Spanish will be introduced and carried over into other classes from time to time. |
Mathematics |
Manipulation of concrete and symbolic materials with built in error control develops sound arithmetic skills and leads the child to make his or her own abstractions.
As in other parts of the Montessori curriculum, experience with a material comes first, then the spoken language or naming. This is followed by the symbolic representation or written symbol. After the material, its appropriate verbal language, and its symbolic representation are each studied in turn, they are then associated with one another. In Montessori mathematics, this sequence is referred to as quantity, symbol, and association. |
Social Studies and Science |
Dr. Montessori felt that social studies and science should be integrated in the classroom, as they are in life. Therefore, there are no clear distinctions, or lines of demarcation among any of the various areas which are included in this section when they are studied in the classroom.
The areas that follow this introduction are entitled: The Human Relations Curriculum, Geography, Geology, and History. In addition, the following subject areas are included: anthropology, astronomy, botany, chemistry, economics, geology, government, philosophy, physics, political behavior, sociology, and zoology.
Montessori biology is structured in such a way as to give the child a means of classification - so that s/he can structure and relate the facts of biology. The study should reveal to the child that classification approximated evolution. The ultimate goal is an ecological view of life on earth as seemingly selfish (fighting for its own survival) but in reality each serves the good of the whole. Montessori calls this the Cosmic Plan.
Montessori history follows the development of the solar system, life on earth, the development of humankind, early civilizations, and recorded history. The child sees the long labor of humankind needed to accomplish all that is enjoyed here today.
|
Arts and Crafts |
In the Montessori Elementary Class, the adult aids the child in the development of skill in order that the child may creatively express him or herself through various media. In addition to art expression for its own sake, art is an integrating factor for the rest of the curriculum. The child may utilize it in such ways as geometrical drawings, geographical maps, geography, architecture, physics, etc. With a variety of techniques and media at their disposal, the elementary-aged children may choose appropriate forms of artistic expression for other areas of the curriculum.
A study of the historical development of artistic expression is made available within a historical context. It is developed simply at first as an idea by itself; then as the child matures, it is related to architecture, religion, music, politics, literature, inventions, exploration, etc. Beginning in September, a historical time-period is chosen as a focus, then used throughout the school year to introduce the arts, design, and craftsmanship ideas and techniques of that time-period. The art curriculum emphasizes the appreciation of art as an expression of the human spirit and the human condition.
Crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials
Painting techniques
Clays and other modeling media
Textiles
Paper
Structuring
Printing techniques
Inks and dyes
Carving media
|
|
|
Geometry |
| Geometry in Montessori generally follows the historical development of the subject. Geometry began as a concrete experience and abstractions followed at a later time. In Montessori, each child follows the same basic sequence. Geometry is experienced sensorially through manipulation of both plane and solid geometric figures. These materials induce a creative activity that encloses two and three-dimensional construction of various forms, artistic drawings, and ornamentation. As the child enters this stage of exploring the physical and abstract structure of the world, the directress reinforces understanding by introducing corresponding principles and formal nomenclature of geometry. |
Human Relations Curriculum |
The Montessori Human Relations Curriculum serves as an
organizing center in the "cultural subjects," especially geography and history. It is introduced as early as possible in the elementary program.
The FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF HUMANKIND chart is in the classroom for the purpose of evoking discussion. The chart illustrates the following:
|
| Material / Concrete Needs |
Spiritual /
Abstract Needs |
|
| Food - Nourishment |
Culture |
| Clothing |
Religion |
| Housing |
Love |
| Transportation |
Adornment |
| Defense |
Good Self-Image |
|
The discussion helps the child understand that the needs of people in all places on the earth and in all times in history are the same. This understanding helps to establish the idea of the interrelationship of all people. When the child can see the needs of all people are the same, then s/he can respect and appreciate the variety of ways in which these needs are met.
This understanding is also used as a guide for the child's research into how people at various times in history met those needs. The same is true in the study of geography; i.e., the influence of physical geography on meeting those needs, the influence of climate, seasons, natural resources, etc.
|
Music |
Music consists of six related elements:
Singing
Audition
Music Theory and ear training
Eurythmics
Production of music
Music appreciation
|
Singing provides opportunities for understanding scales, expression of feelings, and understanding of other cultures. Singing provides children with a repertoire of melodies which they can use in the production and analysis of music.
The audition or listening part relates to musical expression. The feeling expressed by a piece of music, such as a folk song, or composition of a great composer, can be absorbed and recognized by children. This in turn may lead to quiet listening and contemplation, to expression of the feeling in writing or in art, to the examining of qualities and characteristics of different musical instruments, or to the understanding of an era or a group of people through the music which they produce. This may lead to the study of style and musical form. The opportunities for expansion of the idea are limitless.
All of the Elementary Class children participate in instruction of a musical instrument and singing classes to aid in acquiring an ability to read music. Private piano lessons are available after school through a private teacher. Arrangements are made between parent and piano teacher.
|
Physical Education |
| Physical education services are provided through a small fee payable to the HOT SHOTS program. |
Summer Program |
| Five one-week sessions are available during the months of July and August. In the mornings, the children will work on academics and theme units. In the afternoons, activities are provided such as: arts and crafts, field trips, organized games, and outdoor activities. See Summer Program for more details. |
Robotics |
| The LEGO Robotics class uses various LEGO kits to introduce basic machine concepts to the students. Topics covered include use of gears, cranks, and joints; programming with a graphic interface; and basic computer use. |
**TOP OF PAGE** |
|
