"After six" information is provided for parents interested in understanding what comes next. TMS is continuing to explore options for school growth - to achieve the long-term vision of having a 0-18 campus.
The Three Elements of the Primary Montessori Curriculum
The Primary Montessori curriculum is highly enriched and challenging; it is organised into three elements:
1. Mastery of Fundamental Skills and Basic Core Knowledge
Montessori evolved out of the European tradition of academic excellence, and offers a rigorous course of study even in the primary years. Primary Montessori students explore the realm of mathematics, science and technology, the world of myth, great literature, history, world geography, civics, economics, anthropology, and the basic organisation of human societies. Their studies cover the basics found in traditional curriculum, such as the memorisation of math facts, spelling lessons, and the study of vocabulary, grammar, sentence analysis, creative and expository writing, and library research skills.
From the Montessori perspective, the 'Basics' are not basic curriculum at all; they represent enabling skills which make it possible for the child to gain access to the real substance of one's education: science, history, the arts, great literature, world culture, politics, economics, and philosophy.
Sometimes, because Montessori places so much emphasis on cultivating children's sense of curiosity and wonder, parents may get the impression that students can simply do whatever they wish, avoiding subjects that they dislike. This is certainly not the case in any well-run class.
2. Dr. Montessori's "Great Lessons"
The Great Lessons are five key areas of interconnected studies traditionally presented to all primary Montessori students in the form of inspiring stories and related experiences and research projects.
The Great Lessons include the story of how the world came to be, the development of life on the Earth, the story of humankind, the development of language and writing, and the development of mathematics. They are intended to give children a "cosmic" perspective of the Earth and humanity's place within the cosmos. The lessons, studies, and projects surrounding each of the Great Lessons normally span many months and the questions that the children pose and their efforts to find the answers to their own questions may continue for many years.
"The Great Lessons are so exciting. They engage the children and then send them off to do all kinds of research that they are allowed to do at their own rate and their own pace. When children are excited about something, real learning takes place - and that's where Montessori shines."
3. Individually Chosen Research
Primary students are encouraged to explore topics that capture their imagination; this often springs from their interest in the topic of a Great lesson story, and then leads the student to understanding that any of their questions may be explored.
Primary Montessori students occasionally use textbooks, but more often are encouraged to explore topics that capture their imagination. Students do a great deal of independent reading and library research. Children gather information, assemble reports, assemble portfolios and handmade books of their own, and teach what they have learned to their friends.
The approach is largely based on library research, with children gathering information, assembling reports, teaching what they have learned to their classmates, and assembling portfolios and handmade books of their own.
Beginning by simply using an encyclopedia to find the answers to a list of questions prepared by their teachers, Montessori students are taught how to firstly use reference materials, libraries, and then finally the Internet to gather information and uncover the facts. Their oral presentations and written research reports grow in sophistication and complexity over the years.