The Elementary Program
(6 - 12 years old)
"Knowledge can be best given where there is eagerness to learn, so this is the period when the seed of everything can be sown, the child's mind being like a fertile field, ready to receive what will germinate into culture."
-Dr. Maria Montessori
-Dr. Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori viewed the education of children between the ages of 6 and 12 as “education for life.” During this point in a child’s life, he has become conscious of his own learning process and desires a variety of learning experiences. Our elementary program inspires academic excellence and encourages each child’s curiosity and creativity.
Elementary-aged children use reason and imagination to visualize the interconnections of life. They use their imagination to explore and construct the abstract world. The Elementary student has the mark of a philosopher; wonder and excitement is intrinsic to their learning. They are taught to do research, analyze what they have found, and come to conclusions based on what they discover.
Social Characteristics
Children of this age are social beings, desiring to be with their friends as much as possible. The child's passion is their peers! The child wants to be with and belong to a group. The Elementary classroom provides countless opportunities for collaboration among students. Under the guidance of their Montessori-trained teacher, students work together to establish the core values, expectations, and rules for their classroom community. In this mixed-age classroom, older students are given leadership opportunities, as they serve as role models for their younger classmates.
Moral Characteristics
Rules, justice, and the order of society greatly interest the child. The child is in process of developing and adapting within the society of other human beings. Their personal world is getting larger and they are very concerned about ethical issues (right vs. wrong; just vs. unjust; fair vs. unfair).
Intellectual Characteristics
The child uses reason and imagination to understand and visualize the interconnections of life. The child wants to know why as well as what. Imagination is used to explore and construct the abstract world. The Elementary-aged child has the mark of a philosopher; wonder and excitement are intrinsic to this learning.
The Elementary child having "received culture and facts in the Primary Program is now ready to search for the interrelationship of things and to reach out with his reason." (Dr. Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential)
Children of this age are social beings, desiring to be with their friends as much as possible. The child's passion is their peers! The child wants to be with and belong to a group. The Elementary classroom provides countless opportunities for collaboration among students. Under the guidance of their Montessori-trained teacher, students work together to establish the core values, expectations, and rules for their classroom community. In this mixed-age classroom, older students are given leadership opportunities, as they serve as role models for their younger classmates.
Moral Characteristics
Rules, justice, and the order of society greatly interest the child. The child is in process of developing and adapting within the society of other human beings. Their personal world is getting larger and they are very concerned about ethical issues (right vs. wrong; just vs. unjust; fair vs. unfair).
Intellectual Characteristics
The child uses reason and imagination to understand and visualize the interconnections of life. The child wants to know why as well as what. Imagination is used to explore and construct the abstract world. The Elementary-aged child has the mark of a philosopher; wonder and excitement are intrinsic to this learning.
The Elementary child having "received culture and facts in the Primary Program is now ready to search for the interrelationship of things and to reach out with his reason." (Dr. Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential)
Elementary Curriculum
The Elementary curriculum provides instruction in all traditional subjects: reading, writing, language studies, math, geometry, history, geography, art, and environmental studies. The children are also encouraged to care for their environment and practice their practical life skills. Students have the option of taking part in extracurricular classes right here at Fernwood!
In addition to the time spent learning and exploring their interests in the classroom, Elementary children take part in “Going Outs.” When children discover that they can not always find the answers to their questions inside their classroom, they realize that they must go out into the world to find the answers. These “Going Out” trips, which are planned by the students, show children that the whole world is indeed their classroom, providing endless possibilities in their search for knowledge and understanding.
In addition to the time spent learning and exploring their interests in the classroom, Elementary children take part in “Going Outs.” When children discover that they can not always find the answers to their questions inside their classroom, they realize that they must go out into the world to find the answers. These “Going Out” trips, which are planned by the students, show children that the whole world is indeed their classroom, providing endless possibilities in their search for knowledge and understanding.