The Lower Elementary curriculum continues to focus on establishing a firm foundation for fundamental math and language skills, while utilizing the spiral approach to circle back and expand upon culture studies introduced in Casa. Similar to Casa, you will find concrete materials in all areas of study. By manipulating materials with built in control of errors, students may independently engage with the Botany, Zoology, History, Geography and Geometry curriculum. After initial lessons, students expand their knowledge with independent projects. In Math and Language, students manipulate materials as a way of concretely exploring new concepts. As they begin to internalize and abstract their understanding, their work moves towards more traditional paper and pencil variations. Students are provided with a framework for work expectations and use tools such as weekly agenda plans to organize and track their assignments.
Our morning is dedicated to an uninterrupted 3-hour work period. This is one of two work periods offered throughout the day. Maria Montessori advocated that given three hours of uninterrupted time, students would ebb and flow in and out of work, having the maximum amount of productivity possible. Students spend their mornings working on individual activities at a table or on a rug on the floor. Their teacher observes their progress and selects appropriate times to invite them to one-on-one or small group lessons throughout this 3-hour work period. Students are given the opportunity to develop their concentration, order, cooperation, independence and a love of exploration. They are welcome to have a snack, work with peers, observe others or complete ongoing work throughout the morning.
After the morning work period students have lunch. We work together as a team to move our classroom tables together, set the tables and enjoy a meal prepared by our on-site cook. After lunch we get dressed and head outside for recess. Elementary students roam the property as a group, deciding what they want to play and where they want to play together. Giant snowmen, forts, tree climbing, imaginative play and musical performances can be observed on a regular basis.
After recess, students return to their classroom to silently read or write. In the afternoons, students are free to finish their agenda plans and continue taking out classroom materials. Specialty programs (Art, Music, French and Physical Education classes) are offered during the afternoon work period as well. At 3pm students tidy the classroom and have an afternoon snack before heading outside for some outdoor time and later dismissal.
Our Lower Elementary classroom doors open onto our outdoor classroom environment. Students are free to move in and out of the indoor and outdoor classrooms and complete their work in their preferred space. Lessons occur both inside and outside and we roam the property to seek out examples of our studies. Students enjoy reading quietly in the shade of a tree during silent reading time and snack and eat in our outdoor environment when the weather permits. Physical Education occurs outside, with lessons such as tobogganing, fort building and tree climbing as well as more traditional units such as cooperative games and passing and receiving.
The Montessori Elementary Classroom is divided into 7 different areas: Math, Geometry, Language, History, Geography, Botany and Zoology. Within these areas, the materials are logically organized in sequential order; either from concrete to abstract, broad concept to detailed study or simply by sequence of study. Each area includes hands-on materials which are displayed in aesthetically pleasing ways designed to inspire interest. Materials include controls which allow for self-correction and are the launching off point for studying a vast range of ideas. We also make use of our beautiful property to seek out examples and real life applications of concepts learned during lessons.
Students are provided with opportunities to choose their own work, become engaged, construct their personal knowledge and are given the freedom to expand upon their studies. Guidance is given and children seek help when necessary. Each child is supported on their individual path to reaching their full potential, while learning in a richly equipped indoor learning environment and natural outdoor environment.
Students are able to take risks without fear of failure or punishment. They may correct their own work and repeat activities until they are comfortable enough to move on. Making mistakes is a normalized step in learning.
Children are able to work for the pleasure of doing so. Children routinely demonstrate newly achieved competencies to one another.
Students are encouraged to develop qualities of citizenship and stewardship through an understanding and respect for cultural diversity and environmental awareness.
Students demonstrate social responsibility and leadership skills, such as empathy, communication, initiative and resiliency.
Teachers follow spontaneous interests and make room for independent projects. Students share their joy through presentations and community meetings.
Students learn to use a variety of tools, such as agenda plans and tracking binders, to independently select and complete work. They are guided in tracking assignments and given increasing freedom to manage their studies as their responsibility levels increase.
There are opportunities to develop and practice the qualities of peace and conflict resolution in their interactions with others. Students are given a framework to resolve disputes and have a deep sense of ownership and belonging to the classroom which inspires respect for their peers and environment.
Students approach the teacher with ease and confidence, reflecting a personal connection and a sense of security.
The teacher shows an understanding of students’ progress and keeps clear records, as a continuous form of assessment. Students utilize their agenda plans and classroom records to track their own progress and work.
The teacher reflects the essential qualities of respect, order, enjoyment and engagement. As students mature, they take on the role of role model for their peers.
Students are involved in the decision making of the classroom through community meetings. They participate in the upkeep of the classroom and work together to build a comfortable environment. Students take ownership of their education and seek out learning opportunities.
Coming into the School for a visit and an optional observation is the first step in our admission process. Please contact the front office at 905-689-2171 to schedule your personal tour. This serves as a great opportunity to visit our campus, observe in our classrooms, meet the teachers, and learn more about our programs and the enrollment process.
As part of your visit, you have the option to observe for 20-minutes in one of our classrooms. It is recommended that your child(ren) do not accompany you for your observation.
During your observation, you will experience first hand what a Montessori environment feels like and you will notice:
Following your observation, an opportunity to discuss your own observations and questions will take place.
After your visit and observation, we welcome you to submit a completed application together with the non-refundable application fee. Kindly note that application submission does not guarantee enrollment as we receive more applications than spots available.
A Montessori education is most effective as a three-year cycle and in a classroom community with a balanced ratio of ages and gender. Our admission process, therefore, takes into consideration the long-term educational goals of the parents as well as the balance required in the classroom.
Final placement decisions will be made by the Head of School with input from parents, teachers, and records. Interviews and classroom visits by the student and parents may be required before a final enrollment decision is made. The Head of School’s decision will be based on the needs of the child individually and as part of the classroom community.
We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and show you our classrooms of actively engaged learners.