Elementary

for ages 6-12 years

The Elementary-aged Child

The elementary aged child has a great ability to reason.  Maria Montessori described this group of children as being in the period of the “reasoning mind.”  From birth through age 6, children are able to absorb vast quantities of information.  The child who is 6 and older can process this information, has the ability to draw conclusions, and can engage in abstract thought utilizing this recently developed power of reason.  Children at this age are drawn to their peers, developing relationships outside their families.  The elementary-aged child has a need for “great work"-- projects that are challenging and utilize the great power of imagination present during this period.

Curriculum

The Montessori elementary program, with its multiage grouping, utilizes these characteristics in the elementary-aged child.  The children are presented material in small groups, and are encouraged to work with each other, collaborate, sharing knowledge and skills.  The children are presented material in a way which challenges their reasoning minds, invites and requires them to use their imaginations, and develops skill in critical thinking.  The children choose their goals and the teacher meets with each child frequently to review his or her plans and progress.

In Montessori classrooms, all topics are interrelated, for example, written language and the story of numerals are studied within the context of their influences on human history;  physical geography along with its relationship to human geography; or geometry along with its contributions to botany.  Presenting subjects in this way provides children a framework for understanding how the world works and how they themselves fit into it.

• Language: From the history of spoken language and the origins of the alphabet to advanced grammar and creative writing, the language program in the elementary program is rich, inviting and exciting.  Because language serves as the foundation for much of what the child learns in other areas, reading, writing, and oral expression are fundamentally important.  The child is presented with phonics and writing, storytelling, and experiences in grammar.
• Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, and geometry are integrated in the Montessori mathematics program.  The child begins with utilizing concrete learning materials to illuminate the abstract ideas of mathematics, and is then capable of exploring in a more abstract way as his or her interests and abilities develop.
• Sciences: The child starts with the origins of the universe, the solar system, and the coming of life.   The child explores the concepts presented through experiments, charts, time-lines and his or her own research in the areas of physics, geology, geography, biology, and chemistry.
• History: The children understand history as the study of how people, throughout time and in different places, have answered the needs that all humans share (shelter, food, clothing, defense, spiritual needs, etc.)  The children can include themselves in this history, and develop a natural reverence and respect for all cultures.
• Art: In addition to the subject itself, art is also studied in conjunction with other areas.  For example, while studying the structures of ancient Crete, the children can make frescoes (paintings in wet plaster).  In collaboration with the study of how different people clothe themselves, the children might learn how to weave. Materials are always available for the children to use, as artistic expression is integral to development.
• Music: Music in a Montessori environment combines a rhythmic approach with sound analysis and composition.  Music is treated as a language.  The children are encouraged to compose and interpret it.
• Other Aspects of the Curriculum: Child-initiated group projects, which may be research projects, plays or art projects, encourage children to work together, find their own resources, and present their final product to the class.  “Going out,” a child-initiated field trip with no more than four participants, encourage the children to seek additional resources outside the classroom.  Children may visit libraries, museums, or even a local factory, creamery or artisan--whatever destination their research projects might require.

Staff

The guide (teacher) in this elementary classroom is certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). An assistant is also present in the classroom if enrollment necessitates it.

Parent Involvement

Heartland is an independent nonprofit organization run by parents and staff. Each family agrees to contribute 40 hours of involvement time toward the operation of the school   each family is required to be represented by at least one parent on a committee.  Other involvement opportunities are available in such areas as cleaning, field trips, materials making, community events, and ground work.  Projects are available during and after school hours.

For Enrollment Information

Contact Patty Borchardt @ 715-426-0350
Email:patty@heartlandmontessori.org