Elementary
Grade 1 to 3
Great Lakes Montessori Elementary is a hybrid program with elements of Montessori Elementary and Ontario’s Grade 1 to 3 Curriculums. Children are taught using Montessori Elementary material combined with the Ontario Curriculum. The curriculum, in its entirety, far exceeds the Ministry of Education guidelines.
The Montessori Elementary Curriculum builds on Casa curriculum and inspires students to become independent thinkers. A Montessori elementary classroom may look quite different than a Montessori preschool environment as students reach the second plane of development and become more social. For children ages 6-9, the elementary curriculum encompasses language, math, geometry, physical geography, cultural geography, history, botany, zoology, matter, and astronomy. The elementary work frequently involves research, discussion, and large-scale projects.
The five Great Stories are the foundation of the elementary Montessori curriculum. These stories are used as an introduction to all topics, providing a “big picture” to demonstrate how the sciences, art, history, language, geography is interrelated. From that point, students are introduced to increasing levels of detail and complexity within these broad areas. While working cooperatively and solidifying basic knowledge of reading, writing and mathematics, students research and explore subjects both inside and outside the classroom walls. Lessons given spark the imagination and direct children toward activities that exercise critical and creative thinking abilities and life skills.
Students are 6 to 9 years old
Maximum 24 students per class
Gym, Music, French, Mandarin & Coding lessons are provided
Classes are led by certified Elementary Montessori and Ontario Certified Teachers.
Our Classrooms
Our classrooms and materials are organized, tidy, and inviting to the student. There is a deliberate attempt to minimize the number of distractions for the student, so that the student can concentrate on the task at hand. Desks are not used. The students can choose for themselves the best place to work, whether that is on the floor alone, or with a friend at a table, or perhaps with a small group outside the classroom. Cooperation with other students, willingness to share, and the opportunity to try working with different individuals or groups is fostered by allowing such choices.
Explicit instructions are provided to students to ensure the proper usage of materials. Montessori materials are attractive, and pleasing to touch, enticing the student to use them in their learning. Controls are embedded in Montessori materials giving students the opportunity for continual feedback.
Students take on the responsibility for their learning. They become self- directed and self-initiating in their learning and discover that their curiosity can drive their learning. Habits for a life-long learning are laid down early in a Montessori education.
