Lower Elementary Curriculum: 6-9 year-olds

"Cosmic" Education

We begin with "The Beginnings". We share many different stories from various cultures around the world as well as the scientific theories about the creation of our universe. We encourage the students to take this topic home and discuss your theories and beliefs. We study our solar system, our planet, the components of our physical world, geology and history, as well as geography. As we move through history, we begin studies of the Five Kingdoms from the first forms of life on earth (bacteria) to the most complex celled animals (man). We talk about the needs of humans and how those needs led to the development of language and math and inventions. As the students progress from year to year, the studies become more complex and detailed as understanding is gained and further questions and curiosity arise. From simple to complex, the world awaits the students' aroused interest.

Language, Reading, and Writing

Reading and writing are the tools the students need to acquire knowledge. The first year students spend a good deal of time becoming efficient and competent in their ability to read and communicate the written word. Often writing and reading are linked to cultural studies. Journals are issued when each child is ready. Spelling has its own weekly routine. Imagination and creativity is encouraged and nurtured.

Penmanship is an important part of this curriculum. First year students perfect their letter formations paying attention to spacing and lines on the paper. Second year students learn cursive writing and begin using typing programs on the computer. Third year students can utilize their typing skills in preparing reports.

The students develop skills in grammar, sentence analysis, word study and daily oral language (D.O.L.). Each year builds on another. Literature circles, creative writing, writing in different genres, fundamentals of paragraph writing, and developing beginning research skills all follow suit.

Foreign languages are also a part of the curriculum. A German specialist comes to class for one hour each week, working with the verbal, written, and lyrical (song & dance) aspects of this language. Sign Language and Spanish are also taught. Interest in other languages is encouraged and often incorporated in the program.

Math

The math materials in the Montessori elementary classroom allow the students to gain complete understanding of the math processes. Manipulation of many fine materials allows the students to go from the concrete to the abstract with ease. Repetition is a naturally occurring experience. Lower elementary students acquire complete understanding of the four basic processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) as well as introductions into measurement, factoring, estimation, probability, fractions, and decimals over the course of the three years. The students work with analog time materials and gain good understanding of money. Practical application is put to use whenever possible, such as at Autumn Fest. The students sell baked goods (donated by parents) to parents and other students in the school. The next week we count the money made and discuss together what new material we can purchase from the proceeds.

Arts

As current research continues to indicate the importance of this area of study, we find it a very natural part of our curriculum. The arts are approached from many different aspects. Specialists come into the classroom twice a week to teach Music and Art.

Art appreciation and study of the masters is as natural part of the curriculum as technique and use of various media. We learn about art as we do everything else, from the perspective of history. We study the various forms of media as we study the artists who created and used them. A timeline accompanies the work in this area.

Music is an important part of our classroom as well. Daily singing and listening are accentuated by weekly training on notation, rhythm, and music history from our specialist. Instrumental instruction is also taught through use of the recorders. Private piano lessons are available after school (for additional fees). The arts are naturally integrated into cultural studies and language (creative writing). The students attend one performance of the Seattle Children's Theatre each year.

Physical Education

Large muscle skills are a heavy focus during this stage. Games and team sports are encouraged to teach good sportsmanship skills. Coordination, strength building, and nutrition are all components of learning. We learn how to grow and build strong, healthy bodies.