All children are dynamic learners.  This is true of very young children, from infants to six year olds, who explore and absorb everything around them through all their senses.  Very young children are content to repeat the same activity again and again to gain a skill.  Very young children want to know the name of everything and accept the answers given.  

Although elementary children have entered a different plane of development, dynamic interaction with the environment continues.  There are, however, some noticeable differences.  Elementary children want to know why and how something came to be.  They want more than names.  They want to know about the world and the universe, not just their classroom and their home.  They are no longer content with repetition but seek variety.  They are no longer readily assuaged by an adult’s answers but are willing work hard to find their own answers.

Dr. Maria Montessori recognized the tremendous potential these innate characteristics housed in terms of learning.  This drive to explore further, to question and to seek answers is the natural fuel for education and growth.  In a Montessori setting, it is the driving force within the curriculum.  The interests and energy of the child are used to teach everything from reading and writing, to math and science, to art, literature and music; hence, the research-based nature of the Montessori elementary program.

The structure of the environment is the key.  Environment encompasses not only the physical environment and the curriculum support materials but also the social structure, expectations and schedule.  This structure includes the multi-aged group setting that allows for peer teaching, mentoring opportunities and leadership development.  Children often spur each other’s interest and development by sharing their own experiences and thoughts both socially and academically.

It is the role of the adult to prepare an environment conducive to learning.  There are physical materials to manipulate that teach foundational skills and concepts in math, science, grammar, penmanship, etc...   Indeed, all fundamental curriculum areas are represented with opportunity to practice skills in isolation for later incorporation into the student’s research. Conversely, the need to develop a specific skill may arise through the student’s exploration of a topic and their desire to represent their new-found knowledge in a particular manner.   

Another key element of the prepared environment is the presentation of a series of stories called “The Great Lessons”.  It is through the Great Lessons that the world is presented to the elementary child.  These stories allow the child to experience the enormity of the universe and then slowly begin to explore the smaller parts that make up our world.  Through these carefully designed presentations, language, math, history, geography, biology, etc... All the academic elements are introduced to the child in a way that sparks imagination and curiosity.  

Community is another fundamental element in the Montessori elementary environment.  The elementary student thrives on cooperative work.  From the gathering of the group to fulfill a common goal such as planning and fundraising for an outing , to pairing with a others to study a common interest, extending into ones peer group and community is essential.  Being actively involved within your classroom, your school, your neighborhood or your local community, builds confidence and an awareness of social responsibility.  It is empowering to realize your contributions, your efforts and your work matter on a scale grander than yourself.  

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Montessori Academy of Naples offers the elementary student this integrated learning approach.  By following the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, the children receive the benefits of an excellent academic program that respects the development of the whole child as an inquisitive, hard-working, contributing member of the community.

For more information on this and other Montessori Academy of Naples programs, you may contact us via e-mail or call the school at (239)-597-2255.