JUNIOR ELEMENTARY

Our elementary school program was established because of a desire by parents and faculty to continue the Montessori education at the elementary level. The elementary school child occupies what Maria Montessori called the “second phase of development.” Children at this stage are in a period of rapid intellectual growth as they develop the ability for rational thinking. Self-education is the mode through which the elementary child learns most effectively. The teacher’s role is to enable, foster, and encourage the child in this all-important endeavor.

Dr. Montessori developed what she called the “cosmic curriculum” for this educational level. This curriculum enables the child to discover the history of the world and the human race. In this process, he/she begins to define his/her own place in human kind and nature. Sequentially, all things are naturally related to the creation of the universe and life on earth. We encourage the child to begin asking questions in any direction he/she chooses. The children pursue and research their geographical, historical, scientific, artistic, and cultural interests. Information is gleaned from a rich variety of literature, experiments, art projects, tapes, and films, trips to the library and from the adults in their world.

The elementary classes are un-graded, multi-aged groups. We believe each child is a unique person who learns in his/her own special way. By spending three years within the same environment, the elementary child is free to develop his/her intellectual abilities without competition, at his/her own pace, and in his/her own style.

This approach to learning can only take place in a stimulating, well-prepared environment that offers opportunities for exploration and learning through a variety of sensory channels for various ability levels. The materials found in the elementary classroom, in contrast to "teaching aids", are used independently by the child and lead to his/her internalization of concepts.

Just as there are sensitive periods for the child from birth to age six, there are sensitive periods also for the child from ages six to thirteen. These sensitive periods are considered in the presentation of concepts. First, the child has more of an ability to understand abstract concepts ---they can comprehend what they haven’t seen. They ask “why” and “how” as well as “what”. Classroom materials are designed to help the child discover answers. The child at six to thirteen years has a limitless imagination. Presentations are designed to appeal to the imagination and thus arouse his/her interests. This is also the sensitive period for moral development. They are interested in what is right and fair. In the elementary classroom, the child is given responsibility and the opportunity to discuss situations, make judgments and decisions. The six to thirteen year old is social and group oriented. He/she enjoys working in small groups and is eager to communicate his/her knowledge to others.

The six to thirteen year old level can be characterized as a phase for expanding experiences. It is a time for an increased awareness of abstraction, social respect, social responsibility, and social development.

The elementary curriculum integrates the cultural subjects – history, biology, physical sciences, geology, astronomy, anthropology, economics, and religion – rather than breaking them down into separate subject matter. Skills in math, language, penmanship, creative writing, and technology are developed independently plus incorporated, as much as possible, within the cultural subjects. Using materials and presentations, designed to stimulate the imagination, the child’s curiosity is aroused. It is hoped that in addition to basic skills, the Montessori child will gain a sense of the development of life, an understanding of the role of humans in this development, and a feeling of responsibility and appreciation for their environment.