Learning how to be a meaningful participant in a complex and challenging world is the “big work” of Montessori education during the Elementary years. In a program based on the unique needs of children between the ages of six and twelve, WMS offers students the intellectual, social, and spiritual tools they need to flourish not just in school, but in life beyond school. The curriculum is both broad and deep, fully integrating rigorous academic study with practical work in an atmosphere that fosters social and emotional as well as intellectual development.
The Lower Elementary serves two classrooms of children between the ages of six and nine. The program represents the beginning of what Maria Montessori called the “second plane” of development. Children entering the elementary years combine vigorous stamina and curiosity with the excitement that comes with mastering the basics of reading and writing, time management, independent work, and a harmonious community life. Children spend their days working both independently and collaboratively on a variety of highly engaging projects in the core subject areas of math, language, cultural studies (geography, history, sciences), and practical life. As they move through a program that is both broad and deep, Montessori-trained teachers guide research activity, encourage Going Out trips, and art and music instruction based on a balance of student interest and the core goals of the curriculum.
Mathematics
Language
Cultural Studies
Practical Life
Enrichment
Lower Elementary children extend their understanding of numeration through a study of the history of mathematics and early number systems, and then move into levels of abstraction in number operations. During this period, children develop greater ease with number operations and properties and more experience with the application of mathematical knowledge in problem solving. Children acquire a mathematical vocabulary to identify the operations with which they are familiar as well as those they are just learning. Emphasis is now placed on accuracy in computations and on the memorization of number facts. Children work to understand the interrelationship of number operations and to differentiate mathematical concepts such as equality and equivalence. When basic number facts are mastered, children concentrate on the understanding and manipulation of fractions and decimals. Children also begin to manipulate fundamental geometric concepts in the Lower Elementary years, including angles and lines, the properties of triangles, and plane figures.
Whether fluent readers of chapter books or still mastering the combination of sounds into words, children between six and nine years rely on language to navigate their worlds. The language program capitalizes on this developmental period by encouraging children to use language as a vehicle to explore their imaginations, to aid their research about the natural world, and to develop communication skills with friends and teachers. Lower Elementary children continue to develop both encoding and decoding skills through the use of Montessori materials in a language-rich environment. Their interest in rules and consistency fosters a more intensive study of English grammar, in which they master the parts of speech, practice spelling skills, and acquire skills in language mechanics. Children develop a rich vocabulary and more sophisticated oral communication skills to describe their feelings, opinions, acquired knowledge, and interactions with others. Since imagination and creative thought are paramount for this age group, teachers offer a variety of opportunities for children to write, tell, and read stories.
Children entering the elementary years are highly curious about their world and enjoy exploring it deeply through cultural studies. The questions of what, how, where, who, and why, lead naturally to a study of history, geography and the physical and life sciences. Students are introduced to major concepts through impressionistic experiences – such as “The Great Lessons” and other stories – upon which they may hang details of subsequent studies. Their awareness of cultures and science is both broadened and deepened as they study societies, physical laws, the interdependence of life, and the scientific method. The cultural studies curriculum requires students to think critically and analytically about the world, as they understand their place in it.
Practical life in the Lower Elementary program builds on the child’s natural interest in peer relationships and in the world around him. Since he is less interested now in “the process” and more interested in getting a job done, practical life activities have specific and collective goals in mind. All students share responsibility for maintaining their school environment, from weeding outdoor gardens to caring for classroom animals to planning special projects. Practical life activities for this age group become more interwoven with their learning and academic responsibilities.
Special lessons in music, physical education, Spanish and other enrichment are offered in the afternoons. Visual art is fully integrated into the curriculum and is present in the classroom at all times as a work choice. In addition, we maintain partnerships with local fitness professionals, all of whom offer support for our physical education and health activities.
FAST FACTS
- LE 1 Directress: Shannon Jeter, LE2 Directress: Nicole Ellis
- Assistants: Meghan Seaborn (LE1) and Aneta Swietuchowska (LE2)
- Full day (8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Before-care (7:30-8:30) and After-care (3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.) available
- Lunch: Students bring their own nutritious lunch
- Snacks: Morning and afternoon snacks are available