ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – GRADES 1-3

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language is an important part of the Montessori curriculum.

Once the child understands that writing is a visual form of language, they graduate to new things. They focus on spelling, word study, handwriting, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. Then they read quality literature and try creative writing.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

In MMIA, elementary students learn how to read, write, and speak French and/or Spanish. Depending upon the curriculum, native French- or Spanish-speaking teachers are conversing daily the respective languages so students can practice their conversational skills with each other. The goal for each child is to read and write in a different language. In addition, the students gain a cultural understanding of different countries.

MATHEMATICS

For math, a student’s experience with a material comes first, and then the spoken language or naming. Then follows the symbolic representation or written symbol. In Montessori mathematics, this sequence is called “quantity, symbol, and association.” Concepts taught include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions. Also, students are able to grasp a basic understanding of these concepts.

GEOMETRY

Geometry lessons cover the experience of both plane and solid geometric figures. These materials enclose two- and three-dimensional pieces, artistic drawings, and decoration. This is one example the Montessori method integrating several disciplines into one lesson.

SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE

Montessori integrates social studies and science into the classroom. This is comprised of a Human Relations curriculum. It serves as an organizing center, especially in geography and history. Other studies include:

• anthropology
• astronomy
• biology
• botany
• chemistry
• economics
• geology
• government
• philosophy
• physics
• political behavior
• sociology
• zoology 

ARTS AND CRAFTS

The teacher helps the child to express himself or herself through various media. The teacher introduces geometrical drawings, geographical maps, architecture and physics. These are included with other parts of the curriculum. Weekly professional art lessons are also provided through the Indianapolis Art Center’s “ArtReach” program.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

Singing allows children to connect with different types of music. All Elementary students take part in the Montessori Bells and singing classes. Private piano lessons are available after school through a private teacher. Arrangements are between the families and piano teacher.