Montessori Elementary Curriculum
Master of Fundamental Skills and Basic Core Knowledge
Montessori evolved out of the European tradition of academic excellence, and offers a rigorous course of study even in the Elementary years. Elementary Montessori students at Tuskawilla Montessori Academy explore the realm of mathematics, science, and technology, the world of myth, great literature, history, world geography, civics, economics, anthropology, and the organization of human societies. Their studies cover the basics found in traditional curriculum, such as the memorization of math facts, spelling lessons, and the study of vocabulary, grammar, sentence analysis, creative and expository writing, and library research skills. Sometimes, because Montessori places so much emphasis on cultivating children's sense of curiosity and wonder, parents may get the impression that students can simply do whatever they wish, avoiding subjects they dislike. This is certainly NOT the case in a well-run classroom.
Dr. Montessori's "Great Lessons"
The Great Lessons are five key areas of interconnected studies traditionally presented to all Elementary Montessori students in the form of inspiring stories and related experiences and research projects. The Great Lessons include the story of how the world came to be, the development of life on the Earth, the story of humankind, the development of language and writing, and the development of mathematics. They are intended to give children a "cosmic" perspective of the Earth and humanity's place within the cosmos. The lessons, studies, and projects surrounding each of the Great Lessons normally span many months, and the questions that the children pose (and their efforts to find the answers to their own questions) may continue for many years.
Individually Chosen Research
Elementary students are encouraged to explore topics that capture their imagination. Most former Montessori students look back on this aspect of the Elementary program with particular fondness in later years. Elementary Montessori students rarely use textbooks. They are encouraged to explore topics that capture the imagination. Students do a great deal of independent reading and library research. Children gather information, assemble reports, assemble portfolios and handmade books of their own, and teach what they have learned to their friends. Beginning by simply using an encyclopedia to find answers to a list of questions prepared by their teachers, Montessori students are taught how to use reference materials, libraries, and the internet to gather information and uncover facts. Their oral presentations and written research reports grow in sophistication and complexity over the years.
*Adapted from Tomorrow's Child Magazine, January 2011
Montessori evolved out of the European tradition of academic excellence, and offers a rigorous course of study even in the Elementary years. Elementary Montessori students at Tuskawilla Montessori Academy explore the realm of mathematics, science, and technology, the world of myth, great literature, history, world geography, civics, economics, anthropology, and the organization of human societies. Their studies cover the basics found in traditional curriculum, such as the memorization of math facts, spelling lessons, and the study of vocabulary, grammar, sentence analysis, creative and expository writing, and library research skills. Sometimes, because Montessori places so much emphasis on cultivating children's sense of curiosity and wonder, parents may get the impression that students can simply do whatever they wish, avoiding subjects they dislike. This is certainly NOT the case in a well-run classroom.
Dr. Montessori's "Great Lessons"
The Great Lessons are five key areas of interconnected studies traditionally presented to all Elementary Montessori students in the form of inspiring stories and related experiences and research projects. The Great Lessons include the story of how the world came to be, the development of life on the Earth, the story of humankind, the development of language and writing, and the development of mathematics. They are intended to give children a "cosmic" perspective of the Earth and humanity's place within the cosmos. The lessons, studies, and projects surrounding each of the Great Lessons normally span many months, and the questions that the children pose (and their efforts to find the answers to their own questions) may continue for many years.
Individually Chosen Research
Elementary students are encouraged to explore topics that capture their imagination. Most former Montessori students look back on this aspect of the Elementary program with particular fondness in later years. Elementary Montessori students rarely use textbooks. They are encouraged to explore topics that capture the imagination. Students do a great deal of independent reading and library research. Children gather information, assemble reports, assemble portfolios and handmade books of their own, and teach what they have learned to their friends. Beginning by simply using an encyclopedia to find answers to a list of questions prepared by their teachers, Montessori students are taught how to use reference materials, libraries, and the internet to gather information and uncover facts. Their oral presentations and written research reports grow in sophistication and complexity over the years.
*Adapted from Tomorrow's Child Magazine, January 2011
Tuskawilla Montessori Academy Curriculum - Upper Elementary, 4th -6th Grade
