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| Our Programs Lower Elementary Curriculum
Math
Using concrete Montessori materials, children in lower elementary are introduced to the concepts of the four operations of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. After a concept has been thoroughly explored using the Montessori materials, the children are expected to demonstrate their mastery of the concepts. The children use the materials and a computer program to help master their math facts. The concepts taught in the First Year Curriculum include: - Number (counting, one-to-one correspondence, building numbers, the relationships between numbers, etc.)
- Addition/subtraction (4-digit numbers with regrouping)
- Learn multiplication as repeated addition
- Learn the function of division with one-digit divisors
- Money (coin names and values, values of mixed coins)
- Time (hour, half-hour, quarter-hours)
- Learn the concept of fractions
- Identify specific fractional values
- Recognize properties and nomenclature for families of rectangles, circles, polygons, quadrilaterals
- Name kinds of triangles by sides and angles
| | | The Second Year Curriculum is organized to encompass the math strand (number, measurement, patterns, functions and geometry). At the start of the year, students review number concepts and (+) (-) math facts. Patterns are discovered and strategies are devised for committing the single-digit math facts to memory. Second Year Concepts: - Study the concept of fraction and equivalent fractions
- Learn multiples of numbers 1-10
- Learn expanded notation
- Study of Roman numerals 1-20
- Learn the function of (x) with two and three digit multipliers
- Learn the function of division with 2-3 digit divisors
- (+) (-) 7 digit numbers with regrouping
- (+) (-) (x) like fractions
- Study types of lines, positions of lines, know line and its parts
- Learn to tell time: quarter hour
- Solve word problems in (+) and (-)
Third Year Concepts: - Study the concept of improper fractions and mixed numbers
- Study prime and composite numbers
- Learn binomial and trinomial squared
- Study Roman numerals to 1000
- Study the concept of group division with 2 and 3 digit divisors
- (+) (-) (x) (÷) like fractions
- Understand the concepts of angle
- Learn relationship between 2 angles on a plane
- Tell time to the minute
- Solve word problem in (+) (-) (x)
Since our program is individualized, children who excel in math are given further problem-solving activities which will extend and deepen their understanding of the concept being taught. Children who may have difficulty in math are given extra help and guidance. Concepts are examined in many ways to provide understanding for different learning styles
Language
Our Language curriculum includes phonics skills, Word Study, Mechanics, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, spelling instruction, handwriting and writing applications. Students use manipulatives to enhance the learning experience. Every lesson incorporates and builds upon prior skills learned collectively in each of these curriculum areas.
Each new concept is introduced with a “Key Experience” which uses objects to enhance the initial impression. The child then works independently with hands-on materials to master the concept.
Grammar is introduced through these Key Experiences and is accentuated by color-coded symbols that represent the various parts of speech. The practice of symbolizing parts of speech includes both paper-pencil work and manipulative exercises. Grammar is introduced in the first year and is reviewed and built upon every year after.
Word Study includes learning about compound words, synonyms/antonyms, prefixes/suffixes, homonyms, homophones, homographs, masculine and feminine, and correct expression. Vocabulary is greatly enriched as students are introduced to these terms and investigate their meanings and usage.
Mechanics is the correct use of capitalization and punctuation. These rules are taught in meaningful contexts: for example, letter writing, dialogues, poetry and research.
Reading comprehension is strengthened through the Accelerated Reader Program, SRA, reading groups and teacher lead discussion.
We employ the Handwriting Without Tears Program to hone our students’ manuscript and cursive writing skills. Cultural Studies
Science. Our elementary science curriculum is quite involved. At the Lower level, the Montessori curriculum, covering Botany and Zoology, emphasizes the external characteristics and classification of plants and animals. - Botany. The students' knowledge is enhanced through experiments and the presentation of representative plants. The study of Botany is tied into Geography through research of native plants of various regions/continents. Activities include care of plants in the classroom and outdoor gardens, propagation of plants via seeds, stems and roots and the inclusion of literature.
- Zoology. This curriculum encompasses an overview fo the animal kingdom and each phylum with a more detailed study of each phylum including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We also explore animal needs and how they are met. The children will study vertebrates and invertebrates, observing live animals in the classrooom whenever possible. The second and third level students work on their research skills by researching different animals. Throughout the year, the children are engaged in different zoology projects furthering their development and understanding of our zoology curriculum.
- The Lower Elementary Montessori science curriculum is also enriched with the Hands On Science® curriculum, which presents physical science concepts and related experiments.
History. At the Lower Level, the Montessori curriculum begins with the notion of time, including the calendar and the clock. The Montessori Great Lessons introduce students to the creation of the universe, which then leads to an in-depth study of the timeline of life. Students are involved in lessons that allow them to gain perspective into the role of human beings on Earth and the fundamental needs of all people. Lower Elementary students engage in research regarding all these topics as well as the study of United States history and government. Geography. At the Lower Level the students are introduced to the nomenclature work that makes up our curriculum. The children learn about the parts of the earth, a mountain, a river and begin to research into how all these concepts are connected. We then move into continent studies. Each year two to three continents will be chosen to study. The children will experience these continents through literature, research and projects. After studying the continents, our goal is that the children will have a greater appreciation for the many cultures that make up our earth.
"Specials" Classes are provided weekly in the following areas: - Art
- Computer
- Music
- Physical Education/Health
- Science Enrichment
- Spanish
For more information about each of these classes, please click on "Specials Classes"
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