WHAT IS ELEMENTARY II?
The Elementary II (E2) curriculum is a continuation of the Montessori educational experience. Students attending the upper elementary program acquire a strong foundation in academic skills and a genuine love of learning. Students are placed in a multi-age grouping consisting of ages 9-12 (4th-6th grade equivalent). The goal of the Elementary II (E2) curriculum is to lead the students to abstract work. Montessori materials at this level are used to promote the classification and organization of information. Students continue to learn through experience and discovery. They explore the wider community through visits, field trips, and community service. They are responsible for planning activities within and outside the school. They do their own research, analyze their information and reach their own conclusions. By the end of the Elementary II (E2) Montessori program, students are expected to be independent learners who have learned how to learn.
The core curriculum for the Elementary II (E2) students consists of the following areas of learning:
- Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- Cultural Studies
- History
- Geography
- Social Skills
Lessons will align to the Minnesota State Standards found below.
MN Reading Standards 2010
MN Mathematics Standards 2007
MN Science Standards 2009
MN Social Studies Standards 2011
In addition to the above outlined Montessori curriculum, field trips, called “Going Out”, will be conducted on a regular basis and will be linked to the curriculum; supporting our understanding that student learning is not confined to the classroom. Outside experiences and time spent studying the communities in which they live are invaluable opportunities. Art, Environmental Education, Foreign Language, Music, Physical Education, and Technology are also included as natural extensions of the child’s day.
Throughout the day, Montessori teachers will inspire and guide the children through multiple lessons either individually or in small groups. Studies are guided by the child’s own questions. Through hands-on activities that explore various concepts, children are motivated to discover the “How?” and “Why?” leading to true understanding. This method is for all types of students, challenging the most capable students while offering the adaptability to support a variety of needs and learning styles. The classroom will be full of activity with children working at their own pace on the tasks and activities they have chosen. Some children will be working collaboratively with other children, while others work independently. The teacher may be seen presenting to a small group, holding a conference with a child, or observing and recording the flow of work in progress. Teachers will keep meticulous notes on children’s progress, prepare lengthy written evaluations of each child and communicate with families on a regular basis. Parents are an integral part of their children’s academic success and will be encouraged to be a part of their child’s educational experience.
The Montessori elementary curriculum encompasses the full mastery of basic skills, and goes well beyond promoting independent thinking and creativity. In addition, Montessori imparts other valuable life lessons such as how to work with other; peaceful resolution of conflicts; teaching and leading others; service to the community; ethical and social responsibility; and stewardship of the earth.
New Discoveries Montessori Academy:
- Offers a quality Montessori education that supports individual development.
- Uses Independent Learning Plans (ILP) to document personal learning styles and time lines.
- Allows students to reach their academic potential without grade level limits.
- Employs multi-age 2-3-year age group settings in a peaceful and caring community.
- Develops self-discipline and self-teaching abilities that will last a lifetime.
- Offers a staffing model that maximizes student/teacher interaction.
- Cultivates an appreciation for the beauty of the world they live in.
- Uses parents and community members as role models, mentors and resources.
