MEC Lower Elementary Program
Lower Elementary Classrooms
The lower elementary classrooms are designed for children ages 6 – 9 years old (first – third grades). As children move “across the hall” at MEC, there are changes in the structure of the classroom. Individual lesson plans are crafted for each student by a Montessori trained teacher. The teachers present lessons, assign follow up work, and observe each student, watching for mastery.
As new concepts are mastered, the teacher presents new, more challenging lessons. Children progress at their own pace, always being given the opportunity to master a skill before being expected to conquer new material. New concepts are presented by the teachers in one-on-one lessons or in a small group. Practical life, social and emotional skills are reinforced along with academic work.
DAily Schedule
-
7:30 a.m.
Students are greeted by teachers and gather on the playground. -
8:00 a.m.
Morning Meeting -
8:30 a.m.
Uninterrupted work cycle - individual work within the classroom and lessons presented by the teachers -
11:30 a.m.
Lunch -
12:00 p.m.
Outdoor play time -
12:30 p.m.
Uninterrupted work cycle - individual work within the classroom and lessons presented by the teachers -
2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dismissal time for full day students -
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Extended day students enjoy an afternoon recess and play time.
Curriculum
Math
Students continue to work with concrete Montessori materials to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical operations, which lays a foundation for more abstract concepts later. The math curriculum includes concepts, operations, drills, fractions, and word problems.
Language
Reading and writing builds on the skills learned in primary and introduces new concepts, such as grammar, parts of speech, and spelling.
Geography
Geography studies are integrated with history and science. Children are given hands-on opportunities to learn the solar system and earth’s land, water, plants, animals, and people.
Music
Music helps children learn to communicate and express themselves non-verbally. Musical activities improve hearing and listening, coordination, and math skills.
Practical Life
Practical life describes an array of activities that promote independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. Practical life in lower elementary builds on the skills introduced in primary.
Geometry
Geometry topics include basic concepts such as point, line, surface, and solid, and then continue with more in-depth studies on topics such as lines, angles, plane figures, triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, and circles.
Spanish
Beginning in lower elementary and continuing through upper elementary, children at MEC are introduced to the fundamentals of the Spanish language.
Science
Taking advantage of children’s natural sense of wonder and observation, science in the lower elementary classes covers broad topics such as zoology, botany, health sciences, and matter.
Art
The Montessori philosophy promotes freedom within limits, and this is also true of art activities. Children are encouraged to use creativity and explore the materials. Lower elementary students can plan with intention and follow their ideas through to completion while exploring various techniques and media.
Montessori Materials
For Lower Elementary Students
Click on a material below to learn more about how it is used in lower elementary Montessori classrooms.
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Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.