Lower Elementary Program
Lower Elementary Program - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grades:
Class Time:
8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Age six months marks the beginning of a new developmental plane which is defined by Dr. Montessori as the age of the Mathematical Mind. The previous stage involved the construction of the individual self, while this stage is more focused on the construction of the social self. The new gregarious being is concerned primarily with the acquisition of culture, has a highly active imagination, is devoted to morality, and has the ability to grasp abstract concepts. Dr. Montessori likened the mind at this age to a "fertile field" where the seeds of knowledge will "germinate into culture."
The Lower Elementary environment serves as an open landscape where everything has a specific purpose. Children are encouraged to explore the environment both independently and in cooperation with one another. Lessons are often presented in the form of stories in order to engage the imagination. The classroom is equipped with a wealth of color-coded, didactic materials that entice the student to explore. The materials are self-correcting in order to promote success and independence. This creates a busy, productive atmosphere where intellectual development flourishes.
The adult in this classroom is more engaged with the students. While the child's independence is still paramount, the teacher and the students are more engaged in cooperative learning. Free choice is an integral part of this experience; however, students receive many lessons from the teacher on a daily basis, and are expected to complete specific assigned tasks.
Lower Elementary Curriculum:
- Traditional course
- Technology
- Art
- Foreign language
- Physical Education (P.E.)
- Music
- Cosmic Education
- Field trips
- Annual retreat
Lower Elementary Goals:
- Academic excellence
- Independence
- Love of learning
- Self-confidence
- Social responsibility
- Respect for others
- Respect for the surrounding world and community
- Commitment to promoting peace
- Creative thinkers
- Independent problem solvers
Lower Elementary Daily Schedule:
8:15 - 8:30 - Carpool Drop-Off/Journal
8:30 - 8:45 - Circle Time
8:45 - 9:10 - Outside Time
9:15 - 12:00 - Morning Work Period
12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 - Enrichment Classes/Work Period
3:00 - 3:15 - Clean-Up
3:15 - 3:30 - Dismissal/Carpool Pick-Up
Immersive Going Out:
Each school year at PMA, the staff jointly plan an immersive “Going Out” during the first quarter of school to engage our students towards building a sense of community. The sense of community enables our classroom environments to flow with student independence, confidence and leadership.
“Going Out” over the years has established memories, friendships and learning that our graduates from Lower Elementary to High School value in their “store” of memories.
Skills Developed in Going Out:
❏ Curiosity and Wonder
❏ Responsibility and Empathy
❏ Physical and Emotional Well-being
❏ Learning Beyond Books
❏ Life Skills Development
❏ Leadership
“The great gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” - Maria Montessori