Lower elementary program (1st-3rd)

Multi-age grouping

The lower elementary program at Harry Stone Montessori Academy consists of 7 classrooms with approximately 21 children in each room: about 7 children in each grade level.  A child usually stays in the same classroom with the same teacher for the three year span.  This enables the teacher to know the students well and provides continuity for the child.  Also it allows for the development of responsibility and leadership in the older students, while enhancing the motivation and learning of the younger children.  Children enjoy the variety of having different ages in a classroom.  It is a natural grouping that helps to build a sense of community.  Multi-age grouping allows the child to work comfortably at his or her ability level in all areas of the curriculum while still being challenged to meet educational goals.

Sequential curriculum

The teacher gives the students small group or individual lessons in reading, grammar, spelling, mathematics, geometry, zoology, botany, geography, and history.  The lessons involve activities that the children repeat individually, or in pairs, to learn a concept or practice a skill.  The lessons build on each other, so the child must complete the simpler ones before going on to more difficult ones.  This requires a commitment from the student to his or her own learning; the child must show a certain level of mastery of one lesson before the teacher gives the following lesson.  Often when the child realizes this, it inspires greater effort because of the sense of control in the learning process.  The more lessons they complete, the more new lessons they get to do.  They become very pleased with their accomplishments.  If a child does not complete the assigned lesson promptly, the teacher may guide the student in time management, or she may pair the student with another student for success.  If the child has difficulty in mastering the work, more time is allowed until the child is ready to go on. Children accept their need to work at different rates.  They are glad to let the teacher know when they are ready for a new lesson.

Homework

Homework consists of daily reading from a school reading text or from a library book, depending on the child’s ability.  Because reading is the most important skill that the lower elementary child learns, daily reading at home with the parent is critical to the student’s success in school.  Other homework assignments may be given in spelling, mathematics practice and special projects. Since Montessori is a materials-based method of learning, there are fewer worksheets used than in traditional school.

Conferences

Conferences are scheduled district-wide twice a year.  We encourage parents to visit the classroom frequently.  This allows them to observe and work with their child or assist with other students.  We expect that parents will contact us if there is a problem, concern or a change in the family that may affect their child.  We will contact the parent with our concerns also.  We are happy to discuss progress individually after school or on our planning periods.  We strongly feel that learning begins at home, and we are happy to assist you in continuing that process.

Academic Success

Independent productive activity is one of the most important goals of Montessori, because if a child is an active learner who tries to solve problems and finish a task independently, all other academic goals can be met in time.  It is important that the family foster independence by allowing the child to complete alone any task of which he or she is capable.  Usually, this means allowing the child time to struggle with the task for a while and experience failure.  We believe that children learn from their mistakes, as well as from their successes.  The self-confidence and pride that a child feels on completing a task alone are priceless.  What is more important is that it gives the child the message that he or she is a capable person deserving our time and respect.