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Lower Elementary
| Overview | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary |
In Lower Elementary, the child is mastering basic skills as well as
beginning to explore his/her world. Children work at their own pace,
challenging themselves and being challenged by their teachers and each
other. There continues to be a definite sequence to how materials are
presented and a chronology for the child to follow. As in the
Children’s House, children receive lessons in both large and small
groups and individually, and may choose to work alone or with a friend.
Developmentally, Lower Elementary students are exploring the
concepts of right and wrong, practicing problem-solving techniques, and
learning how to be respectful, contributing members of the classroom
community. Helping students both to feel heard and to be able to hear
others is a basic part of Peace Education at this level.
Class discussions and grace and courtesy lessons provide children of
this age with many opportunities to explore these concepts in a
comfortable atmosphere of acceptance and trust.
At the heart of both Lower and Upper Elementary is the concept of
research. Children have an introduction to research in Kindergarten,
and as they move into Lower Elementary, research becomes an opportunity
for children to explore areas of particular interest to them. Children
are taught how to find resources, take notes, write a report, and
develop a presentation for the class. The process of children gaining
confidence in their ability to find answers to their questions is
critical in a Montessori classroom. |
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