Near North Montessori: Lower School
6-9 Program
"Little he cares about the knowledge of others. He wants to acquire knowledge of his own. To experience the worlds through his own unaided efforts."
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The Montessori elementary curriculum begins with the Story of the Universe. Through the presentation of the Time Line of Events leading from the formation of the universe to the present, the 6- to 9-year-old child is introduced to the natural laws of existence, the significance of the sciences and the interrelatedness of all living things.
From the study of the history of the Earth comes the knowledge of astronomy, geology and physical geography as well as the hands-on experiments demonstrating the basic principles of physics and chemistry.
From primitive people to Ancient Greeks and Egyptians and from Native Americans to now, the study of human progress and the building of civilizations focuses on the needs of humans and how those needs translated into culture, invention, communication, religion, philosophy and folklore.
The use of colorful three-dimensional manipulatives continue to materialize the abstract. Geometric solids and cubes, concentric circles and triangles, divisible fractions and innumerable compartmentalized beads serve as instruments for discovering the concepts and performing the functions of mathematical computation.
Language serves as the final unifying medium between all areas of study with research, creative writing, grammar analysis, vocabulary and reading comprehension centered on the cultural content of the curriculum.
The everyday integrated approach to arts and academics is demonstrated by each class in a student performance. Here research, writing and oral presentation of science and history converge with art, music and dance to create a dramatic rendition of curricular material.
At year-end, studies of nature and science culminate in a week-long visit to Camp Edwards or Camp Maclean where participation in nature crafts, pond studies, nature hikes, canoeing and ecological studies bring awareness of the complexities and diversity of our environment.