Lower Elementary

At around age six, a change occurs in the child that gives us a key to the elementary years. The child develops the mental power to visualize and explore, which has not been experienced first-hand. We call this the ability to abstract. This new ability opens vast new arenas for learning. The elementary child is able to learn about anything that can be held in the intellect, including the entire world and the universe. Accordingly, Montessori provides the elementary-age child with large and noble themes.

Science and History lessons are presented in a group, and are followed by individual research. Topics include the history of our universe, the timeline of life on earth, and global geography.

All work is individualized according to the child's foundation. Challenges offered are easy to attain, yet compelling enough to engage the child toward deeper interest.

Reading, developed phonetically, advances steadily through a guided progression of spelling, writing, dictation, and workshops.

Mathematics moves from the concrete level towards abstraction through daily practice with the advanced Montessori Materials. These materials define the early areas of geometry, algebra and calculus.

The Eucalyptus classroom for children age’s six to nine, is designed for students who are ready to move from the concrete experiences to abstract concepts while refining basic skills.

Students learn how to follow a work plan and schedule their time. Montessori materials and techniques continue to play an important role in helping children understand abstract concepts. Mathematics, for instance is presented with three-dimensional materials that reveal arithmetic, geometric and algebraic correlations. Grammar materials use symbols and visual patterns to help children discover parts of speech. All materials lay the groundwork for future in- depth study. Spelling, handwriting, creative writing and physical education are added to the core curriculum.

Curriculum

MATHEMATICS - Skip-counting; operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with large numbers; math facts using a variety of methods; word problems; drill for 3rd year students; fractions, equivalence; time; money; linear measurement; factors, multiples; rounding, estimation; weight, temperature; simple graphs; inequalities.

GEOMETRY - Learning nomenclature; formation of geometric shapes; measurement of perimeter; measurement of angles; study of lines, polygons, circles, solids; congruence; use of compass and rule.

READING - Study of blends, digraphs, phonograms, sight words; reading for understanding; cause and effect, plot inference, main idea; character traits; book presentations once a month for second and third-year students; reading selections from short stories, poems, folk tales, mythology, chapter books, reference materials.

LANGUAGE - Logical expression; functions of words (grammar); parts of a sentence; punctuation, including use of word ending marks, commas, apostrophes, quotation marks; abbreviations; capitalization; alphabetizing; study of synonyms, antonyms, compound words, homophones, prefixes, suffixes, contractions, homonyms; dictionary and thesaurus use.

GRAMMAR - Study, analysis and labeling of noun, article, adjective, verb, preposition, adverb, pronoun, conjunction and interjection; use of sentence analysis charts to analyze and construct simple compound and complex sentences.

WRITING AND SPELLING - Handwriting: D'Nealian and cursive; creative writing of stories and poems shared in Writer Workshop; study of elements of a story; types of writing (i.e. Point of view); writing using children's literature; letter writing; spelling: phonograms, homophones, San Mateo County Schools Spelling Program.

RESEARCH - Home research projects every six weeks; research topic chosen to do in class by individuals required each week, history of language; alphabetizing skills; use of dictionary and various reference materials.

LITERATURE - Daily oral reading of children's literature; discussion of plot, sequence, cause-effect, setting, character; book projects, study of poets; writing based on literature; story telling; silent reading every day of many good fiction selections.

SCIENCE - Study of the universe, stars, solar system, Sun, Moon; study of atoms and molecules, states of matter; laws of physics; heat, light, electricity; magnetism; sound; earth science, geology, weather; classification in botany and zoology; experimental science, anatomy, health.

GEOGRAPHY - Oceans, continents, countries; land and water forms; study of biomes; interior of the Earth, study of volcanoes; climate; resources, needs of people.

HISTORY - Study of the calendar, clock, seasons; time line of natural history; study of geological eras; study of early people; needs of people throughout history; myths.

PRACTICAL LIVING - Care of classroom, including plants and animals, gardening, food preparation, cooking, using tools, sewing and handwork; care of outdoors; care of self.

SOCIAL SKILLS - Exercises in grace and courtesy; role playing; weekly class meetings with lessons and experiences in problem-solving skills.

INDEPENDENCE - Weekly work plans agreed on each week; teacher / child conferences weekly; individual choices of topic for research and special projects.

SERVICE - Opportunities to help others in the classroom as a daily occurrence; weekly responsibilities help maintain indoor and outdoor environments; third-year students read stories to primary children.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT - Organized physical education activity each week; outdoor play 45 minutes to one hour each day; outdoor ball play involving large muscle development, running, climbing, activities, etc.; management of large muscle movement in the classroom so as not to disturb activities of others.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE - Spanish language instruction of one hour a week, vocabulary , simple conversation, Spanish alphabet, songs and games in Spanish.

DRAMA – The Drama program at BCMS teaches basic theater skills through fun and challenging theater games. More importantly, Drama teaches self-confidence, teamwork, responsibility and independence. It concludes each school year with our well-received Spring Play.

ARTS - Study of great artists and composers; experience with art media; Monart drawing program; botanical and zoological illustrations; schools of art; art connected to geography, math, language, history; choral singing; recorder; drama, play performance.