Lower Elementary

Our Lower Elementary program draws from five principles:

Individualize Learning

Sensorial: As young students develop their knowledge of the world, they begin to discern and isolate fundamental qualities of their environment through their five senses. The colorful sensorial materials focus on classifying everyday objects and sorting them in order, collecting data and measurement, and distinguishing objects by comparing texture, size, form, volume, pitch, etc. 

Language: Learning to speak, read, write, and spell correctly is the foundational work of the Lower Elementary student, and our program is individualized to meet the needs of every student. Students practice and develop these skills through a variety of activities such as reading aloud, class participation, presentations, poetry recital, songs, stories, and working with classified language cards. Carefully prepared lessons guide students in the writing process and help them develop handwriting through regular penmanship practice. Spelling rules are taught through a systematic phonetic program. Students learn parts of speech and practice forming grammatically correct sentences. Our literature program emphasizes reading and comprehension skills, encouraging students to draw deeper inferences in stories. Students memorize and recite poems. Creativity is encouraged as students write and share their own stories, poems, and reports. Students practice using precise language to describe their findings, thus developing the basis for abstract thinking.

Mathematics: The goal of Montessori materials is to lead students to comprehend abstract ideas and relationships by working with concrete materials. Through the interdisciplinary experience from sensorial activities, students develop the language to express mathematical concepts of measurement, geometry, sequencing, and data gathering. Students practice all four operations. This individualized approach helps students develop the foundations of number sense through the integrated approach of geometry, mathematics, and algebra. Students apply their knowledge in S.T.E.A.M. projects to collect and analyze simple data and represent their findings.

Science, History, and Geography: studies invite students to develop an understanding of the world around them. The big question in the elementary years is, “Who Am I?” In our environment of diverse individuals, students are encouraged to pursue their interests, leading to exciting research projects. History, geography, and science studies are taught with reference to each other as students learn about the History of the Universe and Life on Earth. Students use globes, maps, land and water forms, and timelines to learn about the Universe, the Earth, and themselves. As students progress in Lower Elementary, students gain a sense of self and an understanding of the world. 

Foster Uniqueness

Students ages 6-9 years can imagine ideas at a higher level than they can read, write or perform mathematical calculations. Our interdisciplinary S.T.E.A.M. projects encourage students to connect their learning from various subject areas in a unified project. Whether it is a Gingerbread Castle project or a recitation of a poem, students are encouraged to use their imaginations to think of their own ideas, build prototypes, and create a product of which they are proud. These real-life, hands-on projects develop problem-solving skills and build resilience.

Develop Independence

Practical Life: Students are attracted to beautifully prepared practical life activities such as arranging flowers, setting the table, and sewing buttons because of the natural link between their home environment and the classroom. Students develop fine motor skills, a sense of order, and independence through many activities ranging from easy movements to more complex, multi-step activities. Students become independent as they develop focus and concentration while taking care of themselves, care of the environment, and practicing grace and courtesy.

Establish Social Skills

Maria Montessori initially used multi-age groupings of children as an experiment to bolster learning social and emotional skills. Even in a small environment, students form strong bonds of friendship that last for a long time. Older students support and mentor younger students who look up to their older peers for guidance. 

At our Montessori kindergarten and elementary school in Worcester, students recognize their own strengths and work on areas to improve without stigma. In an environment where individualism is celebrated, students learn to appreciate their differences too. We encourage students to develop a growth mindset and guide students to articulate their feelings and emotions through our Peace Curriculum.

Enhance Creativity and Imagination

Maria Montessori initially used multi-age groupings of children as an experiment to bolster learning social and emotional skills. Even in a small environment, students from strong bonds of friendship that last for a long time. Older students support and mentor younger students, who in turn, look up to their older peers for guidance. Students recognize their own strengths and work on areas to improve without stigma. In an environment where individualism is celebrated, students learn to appreciate their differences too. We encourage students to develop a growth mindset, and guide students to articulate their feelings and emotions through our Peace Curriculum.