Click Here for the Elementary Curriculum

With a good grasp of reading, writing and arithmetic, the child is now ready to explore diverse fields in greater depth: Earth Sciences, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, History, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Geometry, and Technology. French, Music, Art, and Dance-Drama remain an important part of the curriculum. We continue to employ Montessori methods and materials while taking into consideration the latest Ministry guidelines. Our enriched program answers the students’ need to understand the how and why of their rapidly expanding universe.

“It is almost possible to say that there is a mathematical relationship between the beauty of his surroundings and the activity of the child”
-Maria Montessori

The Gibbons Park Montessori Elementary Program provides a nurturing and stimulating environment which fosters a natural love of learning and helps the child develop a strong sense of self-worth. A love of learning is vitally important to the child’s lifelong intellectual development, while a healthy sense of self-worth enables the child to meet life’s challenges.

The Montessori system provides an optimum environment for growth, combining individual instruction and group work, the opportunity for independent exploration and interaction with peers. The children are encouraged to pursue their interests and work at their own pace in a supportive, cooperative environment.

The younger children see the older ones as role models to emulate, making them eager to progress, while the older children have a chance to reinforce their knowledge and self esteem by demonstrating their skills. Through being respected for the unique and valuable individuals that they are, the children, in turn, come to respect others. They acquire the problem-solving skills necessary to interact in a positive way and become responsible, contributing members of society.

Language

The Montessori materials help children learn to read and write by making the process as concrete as possible and by systemizing the study of English spelling through phonics. Once they have become fluent readers, they can pursue their interests and tackle any subject.

French

We offer daily immersion style French classes within the classroom setting. The language is taught through conversation within the classroom as well as work with the French teacher using Montessori French materials that are available to children at all times in the Classroom.

Mathematics and Geometry

'Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize,
but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core.'
- Maria Montessori

In the elementary program the mathematic materials become more academic. As in other areas, the child progresses from the concrete to the abstract, eventually preferring to work solely on paper.

Geography

The Montessori elementary program satisfies the child’s need to know about the world and helps them situate themselves in a larger context. It teaches them about the origin of Earth and its many inhabitants and gives them an increased knowledge of other countries and peoples which promotes respect and tolerance.

History

History is a natural extension of geography. After studying the origins of the planet and its myriad creatures, we focus on the evolution of the human race from its earliest origins, tracing its accomplishments through the centuries up to the present day.

Science

The Elementary program covers a vast amount of science studies. The Montessori botany materials provide clear and concrete guidance for the child to organize what would otherwise be a chaotic multitude of impressions.

Biology, which is emphasized at this stage is placed on the wider context of earth sciences/ the Montessori “Time Line of Life” introduces the children to the formation of our planet within the solar system, explores the earth’s geology and goes to trace the evolution of all living organisms, starting from the single cell.

Physics and Chemistry are introduced through hands on experiments that allow children to develop observational and analytical skills.

Technology and Computer Literacy

Children in the Elementary program will learn about the interaction of materials, forces and motion through simple hands-on experiments. In our computer class they acquire an understanding of binary numbers and learn about the basic components of a computing system. They are introduced to word processing and spreadsheets. Independent research projects will also be a part of the computer studies.

Music

The Elementary music program will focus on rhythm, music theory, history, composers, and the study of musical instruments.

Art

Our in depth visual arts program will encompass both the study of art history, genres, the learning of techniques and styles to create their own masterpieces.

Physical Education

Children in our program will participate in structured physical education classes once a week as well as dance and movement weekly. Sports skills and sportsmanship will be some of the focuses of our phys-ed program.