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Schoolhouse Montessori Upper Elementary Program — Independent Learners in Advanced Studies

“The teacher’s task is no small or easy one! He has to prepare a huge amount of knowledge to satisfy the child’s mental hunger, and he is not, like the ordinary teacher, limited by a syllabus.” – Maria Montessori

As Schoolhouse Montessori Academy expands its upper elementary program, the Montessori approach remains our foundation. Students are independent learners, exploring areas of interest as well as traditional topics of study. Students use Montessori materials, with textbooks to supplement their learning.

Language Arts

Reading
By this time, Schoolhouse Montessori students are fluent readers. They begin to use reading as a tool — to learn, discover and celebrate the world around us. Students participate in literature circles where they discuss books they are reading. For additional language and comprehension skills, we continue to use the SRA program.

Writing
In upper elementary, students refine their writing skills as they move through the process of brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. They experience all genres of writing and discover how to do independent research projects. Students also study “Six Traits of Writing,” learning to add depth and meaning.

Grammar Study/Word Study
The children continue working with Montessori materials as they strengthen their understanding of the parts of speech. They do advanced work with sentence analysis and diagramming, and have weekly vocabulary lessons using the Wordly Wise program.

Mathematics

Students master the skills of all four operations (both simple and complex) at an abstract level. They work with decimals, multiples and fractions using Montessori materials and use the bead cabinet to explore powers and square root concepts. We use textbooks from Everyday Mathematics to aid our studies.

History

At Schoolhouse Montessori, we base our studies on the timeline of life and the timeline of man. Students study great civilizations of the past, our present United States history, and our great state of Michigan. The children study in depth the needs of people in different time periods.

Geography

Schoolhouse Montessori geography explorations build on the study of history. Students learn about land and water structures of great, historical locations and how the land influenced the culture of the time.

Science

Our study of science covers the life, physical, and earth sciences. We do detailed studies by continuing to use Delta Science Foss Kits and other supplemental science materials. Students study, learn and practice the scientific process and become more adept at planning and presenting projects through scientific research.

Additional Subjects

Upper elementary students at Schoolhouse Montessori Academy continue with foreign language, music (including with recorders), art and physical education. Students also have a technology component that complements the curriculum. They learn basic computer functions, keyboarding and are introduced to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

“Our care of the children should be governed not by the desire to ‘make them learn things,’ but by the endeavor always to keep burning within them the light which is called intelligence.” – Maria Montessori