Lower Elementary Overview

Developmental Spotlight: personal responsibility, independence and autonomy, leadership, and empathy and compassion

Second Plane: Childhood - Mental Independence

Lower Elementary Montessori classrooms build upon those skills learned in Children’s House. Students work with their teachers to create their own learning plans, which emphasizes their development of independence, self-advocacy, and skills to productively work with others. Lower Elementary materials isolate single concepts, and students are encouraged to expand and connect ideas in deeper and more abstract ways. 

A typical day in a Lower Elementary classroom starts with a morning work period, where students might research a biome or continent; explore math concepts with beads, wooden tiles, or metal shapes; or practice grammar, synonyms, or spelling with hands-on materials. A student may have a lesson or two in a small group, and then work independently or with a peer. Lunch and recess come next, followed by an afternoon work period that might include a read-aloud, P.E., art, music, or other special activity in addition to progress on unfinished works. At the end of the day, students clean and restore their work environment to be ready for the morning.

Day trips to a farm or ballet, or in-house experiences exploring culture or science, give students a chance to experience more of their communities and the world beyond. In addition, third graders have their first school overnight trip near the end of the school year. Third grade students from both campuses spend three days together hiking, studying flora and fauna, and playing team-building games that foster cooperation and communication which will help them transition into the Upper Elementary.