Curriculum for Junior Elementary (French Immersion)

The Junior Elementary curriculum is integrated and open-ended.  Curiosity is the norm in the Junior Elementary classroom.  Each day, this curiosity is fostered both by introducing a wealth of information to the children, as well as by encouraging active, independent research in all areas of the curriculum.  The Montessori curriculum inspires students to become independent learners who appreciate and understand their world. 

Our French immersion classroom provides an atmosphere in which the French language is learned naturally by the children.

Language: 

Students explore reading, spelling, comprehension, writing, creative writing, grammar, sentence analysis, literature, poetry, and verbal communication.  Handwriting skills are reinforced through practice, journaling and class work.  Language is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum through written comprehension materials and oral presentations.

Mathematics:

In the Montessori elementary classroom, Mathematics materials are concrete representations of abstract concepts.  The Mathematics curriculum allows the child to explore and discover new concepts through a "hands on" approach, which is then followed by memorization of facts.  Concrete learning materials help children moving towards the process of abstraction with greater ease.  The curriculum covers an integration of arithmetic, algebra and geometry (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, skip counting, fractions, determining common multiples & divisors, squaring, prime factorization, ratio, proportion, decimals, percentages, square roots, cube roots, estimation, word problems, geometric shapes, angles, etc.) 

Cultural Studies: 

History, Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Science are all inter–related in a Montessori curriculum, and they are not introduced as separate subject areas in the classroom.  The ultimate goal is to inspire an appreciation of the mechanisms of life, and to develop a feeling of responsibility for the environment.

History:

In History, the children learn about the concept of time and culture, and the 

              development of the universe, the solar system, life on earth, people, and early civilizations.

Geography:

Children study the evolution of Geography since the formation of the earth.  They learn about physical, political, cultural and economic geography. 

Biology:

The Biology curriculum gives a means of classification to the children.  The children learn about cell biology (e.g. atoms and molecules) and animal physiology (e.g. respiratory, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems are compared among various types of organisms). 

Botany:

 In Botany, students study nomenclature, plant classification, biomes and ecosystems.

Zoology:

Children learn about the system of classification, the animal kingdom, nomenclature of the external and internal parts of vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as functions and characteristics of different types of animals.

Science:

Through the Science curriculum, the children have the opportunity to do many experiments, and learn about many fascinating topics such as matter, electricity and magnetism.  

The Arts:

The Arts curriculum encompasses the following: Visual Art, Music and Drama.  The curriculum is designed to develop and enhance a range of skills.  Art appreciation, creativity, expression, communication and movement are areas that are focused upon. 

Music: 

The Music curriculum covers the basic elements of music by exploring melody, rhythm, beat, tempo, etc.  Children are given an appreciation for a wide range of types of music and instruments.  Students also have the opportunity to use the Montessori tone bars.

Drama: 

In Drama, the children explore the world of imagination, communication and movement.  The children learn the necessary skills needed to convey thoughts and feelings to an audience.  The drama program helps teamwork while integrating reading, writing, memorizing and public speaking skills.  In the spring, the children put together a drama production.

Visual Art: 

The children are exposed to various media, techniques and styles of art.  They also learn about famous artists and how their work has influenced our culture.

Physical Education and Health Sciences: 

In a non–competitive atmosphere, the children participate in physical activities, games and sports to develop skills such as co-ordination, manipulation, balance, endurance, co-operation, and fair play.   Students also learn about food, food handling, and nutrition. 

Going-out:
Off-site excursions are organized by the students themselves.  These excursions are extensions of projects students are pursuing in class.  They allow students to apply their skills to the larger world outside their classroom.

Social Skills:
Children at this age show a strong desire to connect with peers.  In the elementary classroom, great emphasis is given on helping students take responsibility for their own conduct in relationships as well as in caring for the environment.  Classroom meetings are held to discuss issues, express feelings, develop solutions, create class rules, and learn to respect other.   Throughout the year, students participate in fundraisers and community services to help develop a clear sense of values and a sense of belonging.