About Junior Elementary Program (French Immersion)

At the age of six, there is a great transformation in the child, which can be compared to a new birth.  Before the age of six, children want to know “what” and “where”, and they are interested in facts.  At the elementary level, children become fascinated by the “why” and “how” of everything, and they become interested in reasons and explanations.  They begin to focus more on the world outside of their classroom, and to ask encompassing questions about how everything came to be, about the universe, the world, society and their place in it.   At that age, children have questioning and reasoning minds, a strong ability to abstract and imagine, a natural desire to collaborate with peers, and unlimited energy for research and exploration.  This is also the time where children want to learn what is right and wrong, and to explore meaningful roles in society. The Junior Elementary Montessori program specifically targets the needs of the children from 6 to 9 years-old.  The foundations of the Toddler and Casa programs have prepared each child for the excitement of the elementary years!

At Parkdale Montessori, we recognize the importance of learning a second language.  To this end, the Junior Elementary program is a French-immersion environment.  Our learning environment is carefully structured to challenge and stimulate students.  We engage children’s intellect, direct them towards activities which help develop reasoning abilities, and capitalize on their interests in order to help them find meaningful involvement.  The children’s curiosity, imagination and development of social skills are used as natural motivators for learning.  There is a great emphasis placed on developing strong work habits and responsibility.  Over a three-year cycle (equivalent to grades 1, 2 and 3), children complete a core curriculum that exceeds the standards of the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Our Junior Elementary environment is being conducted by a Montessori-trained directress with special qualifications for the elementary level.  The head teacher mostly gives small-group lessons in all academic areas, and guides the children in direction and methods of their own research.  Children learn through hands-on experience, investigation, and active engagement in their studies as they progress from concrete to abstract thinking.  As in the Casa program, we also provide the individualized attention necessary to ensure that every student achieves success.

The Junior Elementary environment is prepared for a multi-age group of children with learning materials appropriate for each age.  The younger children learn from the older ones, while older students can teach and be role models for younger ones.  Within a warm, supporting, non-competitive atmosphere, the children often work on collective projects, as each child contributes with his/her personal talents and capabilities. 

The experience of going on outings is very much part of the Montessori Junior Elementary curriculum. At the elementary level, exploration of each area of the curriculum is encouraged through trips outside the classroom to community resources, museums, neighbourhood facilities, theatre, etc.  As well, each day (weather permitting), the children spend time outside in our playground or at our large neighbourhood park.  In the spring and early fall, children go on picnics and nature walks etc. 

The Junior Elementary students also participate in community work by organizing fundraisers, taking care of our garden and compost, baking for the hungry, and many more.  Students are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

Our Junior Elementary curriculum emphasizes the importance of arts and physical education as students participate weekly in music, drama and gym classes.