Chesapeake Montessori School

Chesapeake Montessori School views the child as a whole person and we take into consideration their academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. Our goal is to help the child grow into an independent, confident and inquisitive person. The Montessori elementary program is based on developmental needs common to 6-12 year old children; however, it continues to be an individualized program in many ways.

The Montessori elementary curriculum emphasizes the interconnectedness of the knowledge and experience the child has. As such, the Montessori elementary program is not sectioned into boxes as that is not how children experience the world. Making connections between what they learn excites children, stimulates their imagination, and gives children a sense that they already know so much and can easily learn more. Most importantly, they learn that they are not dependent on the teacher for all their information; rather, they acquire habits and methods of learning on their own.

In observing a Montessori elementary program, it is common to see children working productively even though there are no external rewards or consequences. Children who work independently and with purpose tend to experience more significant learning with longer-lasting results than those children who work to complete product associated activities. Testing is not a common occurrence as the teacher knows each child well and keeps records of their work.

There are six major areas of study in the Montessori elementary curriculum; language, math, geometry, biology, history, and geography. The teacher's role is to present key information and material in an area of study and then to guide the children in developing projects to explore different aspects of the subject area. Children at this age are encouraged to and want to learn more about the "hows" and "whys" of things. This inquiry and curiosity leads to more research, discussion, and large-scale projects. At this level, children may be introduced to more science and social studies in an effort to meet the growing needs of the child's intellect.

The Montessori language program for the elementary level includes the learning of the history of language, grammar, reading, writing, and spelling. Grammar is continued in the same manner as it is taught at the Children's House level. The symbols used in functions of words exercises are seen again at the elementary level. Children study history of words, word study, analysis of sentence structure and parts of speech. Children practice their reading, writing, and spelling skills in their work in all subject areas. The children continue with the reading program and expand their horizons by reading in various subject areas while doing research for projects. Writing continues in a scientific format as children do research and also in a creative format to encourage self-expression.

At the elementary level, the children continue in their development of mathematics skills from a concrete to an abstract level. The child moves from abstract operations to memorization of facts. Other mathematical concepts taught at this level include fractions, the squares and cubes of numbers, as well as multiples and factors. Geometry is taught with manipulatives as is the rest of the Montessori math program. This provides the children with opportunities to make their own discoveries about geometric principles and relationships.

In the elementary classroom, children are given the opportunity to learn about the behavior and physiology of animals and plants. Animal and plant kingdoms are presented and extensive studies are done in each area. Children are incredibly curious in this area to name, classify, define, and compare the objects they study. Real experiences are provided in this area as much as possible.

The history of humans begins with a look at basic physical and spiritual needs of people and the ways in which cultures have tried to meet them. This naturally leads into a study of different cultures and their unique characteristics as well as what these cultures have in common. This study of history also re-emphasizes the interconnectedness of things as well as the connection between people and their environments.

The study of geography begins with the various theories of the beginnings of the Universe and the forces of physical science involved. The study then continues with a look at the forces of nature that have helped shape our world such as: erosion, volcanic forces, wind, and the properties of matter. Again, children are provided with experiences through demonstrations, activities, and experiments they perform individually, in small groups, or as a class.

In art, children continue their instruction in the techniques of art and the various media used in art. Music, art, drama, and other cultural forms are part of the daily life of the class. The work with ear training with both the diatonic and chromatic scales began in the Children's House. In the elementary classroom we build upon these experiences, taking children into the beginnings of reading and writing music. Beautiful singing is, of course, a part of every day in the classroom.

Rather than art projects, we teach techniques and media for artistic expression. Children use colored pencils, clay, paints, collage, and other media to illustrate the work they do in all subjects. Since art, like any other work, is not limited to short "art class" periods and projects, children's creativity has a chance to truly grow and bloom as a part of everyday activity. Music, art history and appreciation are also included as a part of the children's study of human culture and can lead to "going out" to attend a performance or visit a gallery.

Drama is a very noticeable part of a Montessori classroom. It is a special love of many children this age, and serves a number of purposes. Making an original play or skit about something they have rencently learned is one way in which children truly make knowledge their own. It can also be the occasion for learning to write dialogue, or how to stage or perform in a play. Students also may research and create character performances as part of their study of history.

Children are physically active continuously throughout the day. Nonetheless, there is a need for the aerobic activity and skill development that physical education provides. Staff teach activities as diverse as yoga, soccer, and other group games at different times during the year. Always our emphasis is on skill-building, to develop consciousness and control of movement, to enhance personal confidence, and to teach techniques and values of teamwork and cooperation.