About Our 2011/2012 Elementary Program Ages 6-9

Elementary- aged children have an extraordinary ability to reason. The combined power reasoning intellect and imagination are so strong that virtually any concept or system – no matter how abstract – can be presented in such a way that they can begin integrating knowledge of the universe from all directions through all disciplines. Materials are uniquely presented in an elementary Montessori classroom, beginning globally and historically and working toward the local and present. Time lines, impressionistic charts and experiments inspire systematic research into broad areas of learning. The Little Oak elementary program operates from the understanding that an important challenge at this developmental stage is for children to discover their place within a group and within society as a whole. Thus, much of the activity at the elementary level takes place in groups, with children sharing, collaborating, and exploring material together. The elementary teacher is a generalist who opens the doors to whole fields of study, igniting and then fanning the flame of interest in each student. The classroom has capacity for approximately 20 students. Judi Simmons is an AMI and WA State certified teacher who is responsible for overall classroom direction. The elementary program begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

The program The Little Oak elementary classroom is designed to encourage children to wonder and explore. A library, eating areas, private reading nooks and group spaces are contained within the four walls of our elementary classroom. The following areas of study are included in our program: Language As language serves as a foundation for much of what the child learns in all other areas, reading, writing and oral expressions are fundamentally important. Through the child’s earlier experience with sound, phonics and writing, plus sensorial experience with grammar, children begin to develop an almost instinctive sense of language. With this foundation, teachers encourage children to pursue reading, to write creatively, to interpret drama and to improve their reading skills as they explore all disciplines.

Mathematics Montessori mathematics integrates arithmetic, algebra and geometry into a system where each illuminates the other.

Cultural Areas Children learn about other disciplines by starting at the beginning: the origins of the universe, the formation of the stars, planets, the sun and the earth. Time lines, charts and research cards on the advancement of civilization help children study areas of personal interest – geology, biology, geography and history. Different periods of history are often explored broadly.

Artistic Expression Children study the need for artistic expression throughout history and are encouraged to express themselves. Music is presented as a language, using a combination of rhythmic approach, Montessori sound analysis and musical composition. Drama and movement are the child’s opportunity to use their whole body as an instrument of expression.

Evaluation We provide a qualitative evaluation of each child’s development, taking into account the whole child. Instead of traditional grades every staff member who has worked with a child during the year provides a personal and specific evaluation.

Going Out / Beyond the Classroom The Montessori elementary classroom cannot contain within its four walls all that students need and desire to know. In-class activities motivate students to continue their learning and growth through small and large group experiences outside of school. These outside experiences occur throughout the year, and include nature studies and hiking excursions, cultural events, small group and research excursions (library, museums, etc.). Going out is integral to the elementary child’s need to explore the world beyond the classroom.

Classroom Community The elementary age student is learning to be an individual who is an integral part of a larger group. This sense of belonging and participation in a larger community is fostered by encouraging individual students to participate in meaningful group decisions. This process is further developed through the multi-year tenure that students experience in each level. Each level encompasses a three year span.