Elementary Years

  • Elementary children, typically, can be characterized by their questioning minds, their ability to abstract and imagine, their moral and social orientation and their unlimited energy for research and exploration. They move from the concrete through their own efforts and discovery to the abstract - thus greatly expanding their field of knowledge.
     
    Children, at this age, are driven to understand the universe and their place in it and their capacity to assimilate all aspects of culture is boundless. Elementary studies include geography, biology, history, language, mathematics in all its branches, science, music and art. Exploration of each area is encouraged through trips outside the classroom to community resources, such as libraries, planetariums, botanical gardens, science center, factories, hospitals, etc. This inclusive approach to education fosters a feeling of connectedness to all humanity, and encourages their natural desire to make contributions to the world.

  • “Beyond the more obvious reasons why it is sensible to group the ages three by three, such as the little ones learn from the older children and the older ones learn by teaching the younger, every child can work at his own pace and rhythm, eliminating the bane of competition, there is the matter of order and discipline easily maintained even in very large classes with only one adult in charge. This is due to the sophisticated balance between liberty and discipline prevalent in Montessori classrooms, established at the very inception of a class. Children who have acquired the fine art of working freely in a structured environment, joyfully assume responsibility for upholding this structure, contributing to the cohesion of their social unit.”

    -Dr. Montessori

  • Social Development

    The task of the First Plane child (ages 0-6) is to construct herself as an individual with functional independence: the ability to take care of one’s own personal needs. The task of the Second Plane child (ages 6-12) is to construct himself as a social being with intellectual independence: the ability to think for oneself. To aid in this self-construction the elementary age child exhibits particular psychological characteristics: a reasoning mind, imagination, conscience, a sense of justice, and a sensitivity to the group or the “herd instinct.”
     
    The teacher recognizes these characteristics and works with the students to establish classroom rules, procedures and guidelines for conflict resolution. The students are prepared to enter into the larger society with the ability to follow its laws because of their experience in the smaller “practice society” of the classroom.

  • Spokane Public Montessori Outcomes

    SOCIAL
    • Shows respect for others.
    • Respects materials and environment.
    • Uses good manners and shows courtesy.
    • Participates and works appropriately in a group.
    • Displays leadership.
    PERSONAL
    • Expresses needs and feelings appropriately.
    • Copes with transitions and challenges.
    • Exhibits self-control.
    • Shows responsibility for own actions.
    • Displays self-confidence.
    WORK HABITS
    • Chooses appropriate and challenging work.
    • Works independently.
    • Listens to and follows directions.
    • Organizes work and materials.
    • Works with concentration.
    • Completes tasks efficiently.
    • Completes work with care and pride.
    • Demonstrates persistence.
    • Displays a strong interest in learning and working.
    • Demonstrates responsibility for own learning.