From primary to elementary…the continuum of education continues to build, challenge and reflect the educational needs of the student. In the six years your student spends in elementary they will be able to actively engage in not only a top-quality education, but also in forming their own educational process. Elementary students engage in experiential knowledge by using the Montessori materials, working together with other students to create their process, and by exploring the real world through field trips.

Lower El students are engaged learners who build an understanding of their world through study and interactions with teachers and peers. The basis of our Elementary curriculum is History. We use the Great Stories from Montessori to introduce science, math, language, and culture. Each academic area of the classroom is further defined and refined to allow students to delve into a deeper understanding of educational concepts and tools.

Lower Elementary Classroom Culture

The Montessori educational process is designed around students’ developmental stages. Students in 1^stthrough 3^rd grade are expanding their capacity for more abstract concepts and reasoning. At CMS students grow independent thought, responsibility, and self-awareness that contribute to life-long learning and curiosity. 

In the Montessori method, we balance individualized learning with a focus on accountability. In the Lower Elementary classroom students begin learning how to manage their time and responsibilities through work plans. This helps them organize their tasks and balance academic interests with requirements. With guidance, students build their skills and confidence, gradually becoming more independent. By the second and third years in the classroom, students develop more robust work plans based on previous experiences.

Relationships begin to take center stage at this developmental age. At CMS we lean into this need for connection by encouraging peer mentoring and collaborate work. Each day the students also participate in Community Meeting. This meeting is led by students with teacher support and provides a space to share work, solve problems, and build a community that is relevant to students interests and goals. 

Students work through the curriculum at their own pace through large group, small group, and individual lessons. Guides spark learning by engaging students in discussions, explaining the purpose of lessons, highlighting the integrated elements across subjects, demonstrating materials, and setting clear expectations for tasks. 

A Typical Day in Lower Elementary

Arrival and Morning Meeting

In keeping with the Montessori approach, we strive to facilitate a three hour uninterrupted morning work time in a mixed age environment. A typical day in our classroom will begin with students arriving between 8:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and entering the classroom to begin taking care of their needs (coats, shoes, lunches, greeting teachers and friends). Before work cycle begins student join Morning Meeting. This is a space to set expectations and plans for the day. It begins with a student lead meditation and follows with preparation for the work cycle. In each part of the day, students are responsible for the care of themselves and the classroom. They plan when to eat a snack in the morning, take care of personal needs, and share responsibilities for equipment, work materials, and the overall organization of the classroom.

Work Cycle

During the morning work cycle students received small group lessons in the areas of Language (grammar, phonics, wordy study, writing and research), Math, Geometry, Botany, Art, Zoology, and Geography. Each student is invited to lessons based on where they are individually in the curriculum. Students use work plans to help them independently manage their time and tasks throughout the week.

Community Meeting

When the morning work period is complete, the class joins a student lead council meeting. This is a time when the classroom comes together to work on problem solving classroom issues as a group. In council they learn to advocate for themselves and others, solve problems, practice perspective taking and empathy, and work together as a community. Students bring up issues that are important to them like the tidiness of the classroom, how to share playground equipment at recess, and other social disagreements.

Lunch

Students have lunch as a group. During lunch they work on practical life skills like heating their lunch with the microwave and cleaning their plates and utensils and wiping up crumbs from the tables and floors when they are finished. They also get the chance to work on grace and curiosity skills like using utensils appropriately, chewing with their mouths closes, and waiting to talk until they are finished chewing.

Recess

After lunch, students get a 30-40 minute recess. Getting time to socialize, exercise, and be in the outdoor environment is important to the students ability to work and concentrate in the classroom. This outdoor time is a priority for our students so we work to make it available to them throughout the school year and the variety of weather Oklahoma brings. We encourage families to make sure students have appropriate clothes for cold weather, high winds, light rain and appropriate items for heat such as hats, sunscreen, and water bottles. Students will be given indoor recess if the temperature is below freezing or if there is heavy rain or rain with lightening.

Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.)

The afternoon begins with a quiet solo reading time. D.E.A.R.s is a dedicated, uninterrupted time to engage with books. It fosters a love of reading, encourages independent interests, and builds reading fluency, stamina, and focus. Student’s enjoy this peaceful start to their afternoon for 30 minutes each day.

Afternoon Specials

The rest of the afternoon pursuits before dismissal could include Music, Art, Mindfulness, Movement, American Sign Language, or even another opportunity to work with the lesson materials. Children in elementary can end their day at 3:30pm or can stay in our after school program.