Elementary Program

Through the history of humans who had lived on Earth a long time ago, children learn the development and constant change of written and spoken languages. There are series of stories told to the children relating to human writing and spoken languages. They learn that humans have given names to everything that exists in our world. Children at this age are fascinated by the origin of words. Etymology of words are given across subject areas to help in spelling and understanding the history of cultures. Elementary children learn different parts of speech, word study, grammar, sentence analysis, literature, creative writing, poetry and song, and effective communication. Montessori fosters the love of word functions by giving a impressive concrete representation in studying grammar. Language lessons in Montessori are very attractive to children since many stories and charts are used to introduce new knowledge of English language, fitting for and making the most of Elementary children's vivid and powerful imagination.

The last Great Lesson is about the history of how human in the past created system of numbers. The story helps the children understand the power of mathematic, and motivates them to explore further in the field of mathematic. Concrete materials are continued to be used by the children to explore the complex mathematical processes. The transition time for children to pass from manipulating concrete materials to using numbers on paper is called 'Passage to Abstraction". Each child comes to his own realization that he can perform mathematical operation more efficiently without the materials. Montessoir Elementary-level Math includes topics, such as operations, fraction & decimal, powers of numbers, squaring & cubing, relative numbers, algebra, and data & statistics. Mathematical facts and theories are not handed our to chidlren to memorize like in traditional education, but the children use the concerete materials to arrive on the conclusion or formular of math concepts.

Children are familiar with geometrical shapes from their years in Children's House. In the Elementary level, Children follow the historical development of the discipline of geometry. Throughout the curriculum they are told stories and given opportunities to research. The fundamental concepts of Geometry is introduced. Children are first engaged with concrete experience, followed by abstraction. As children make their own discoveries, they are interested in learning about the people who first made these discoveries. Principles in Solid Geometry, Plane Geometry, estimation and measurement in length, area, volume, mass, and temperature are examples of topics in Geometry.

Introduced through the first Great story, Geography starts from beginning of the Universe to forming of our Solar System and, subsequently, the Earth. This paves way for the children in understanding of the interconnectedness of non-livings and livings. The children learn different laws that govern the formation of Earth. They also discover how the physical configurations of the Earth have effected all human on Earth through the history, which leads into the study of Economic Geography. Awareness of different geographical regions and terrains is developed, enabling the children to follow their interests in exploring different aspects of Geography, such as oceans, rivers, mountains, and winds

Botany, Zoology, and Natural Science are included in the Montessori Science Curriculum. Through the first and the second Great Lessons, children are introduced to the laws of nature and the knowledge of origin of life on Earth, the concept of evolution of life and the length of time before the first life appeared on Earth before human beings arrived. Children learn that classification follows evolution, that each life contributes for the good of the whole, and that all lives are inter-dependent. Topics covered in Biology include plant and animal classifications, internal and extermal parts of plants and animals and their functions. Human Physiology is introduced by a story called 'The Great River'. Children further researched into each area of interest using chart and card materials to gain more knowledge on Botany, Zoology, and Human Physiology independently.

The Five Great Lessons are important part of Montessori History curriculum, telling the unfolding events over time. The story of Formation of the Universe is the starting point of Montessori Elementary history curriculum as children aged six enter the classroom, followed by Solar System, the Earth, Evolution of Life, the Dawn of Human and civilizations, and human inventions particularly language and number systems. Many stories related to human are told. In Maria Montessori's own word,

We have to show a different side of the history to the children, where history is understood as the documentation and testimony of mankind."

Children feel gratitude, admiration, and appreciation for those who contributed to the mankind before them. They see themselves as an active member of the mankind, and can influence the world in positive ways. The realization natuarally motivates them to go deeper into different topics, for example human migration, early civilizations, or history of written and spoken languages.

Through the stories told about people from the diverse times and places, the children learn their resposibilities toward humanity. They also learn through interactions with their peers and teachers what is right and what is wrong, fair and unfair. They also want to know why. Children of this age are developing a sense of morality. The freedom Montessori education gives to the children allows them to experience the consequences of their choice of action. At the beginning of the school year, the children usually come together to form classroom rules in order to work together in a peaceful and respectful way.

The primary goal of Montessori creative arts education is to nurture the expression of creative ideas and aesthetic development of the children. Children develop an ability to concentrate and immerse themself in the work. Creative arts education in the Elementary level include Art Appreciation, Visual Arts, Music, and Drama. Creative art in Montessori is interrelated and integrated in other areas of study, like language, math, biology, and geography

The study of other languages enables children to respond positively to future opportunities in a world and makes them aware of themselves as members of an international community. Thai language is naturally learnt through interaction with Thai locals and staff. It is natural for children to learn language of their culture or the culture they live in. Other languages are introduced based on children's interest and resources available.

'Going Out' is the important part of Montessori Elementary curriculum. Children at this age have a need to explore beyond the classroom. It can be a short walk in nature or local stores, a field trip to a museum or art gallery, or a project such as visiting orphanage or elderly home. Going out is initiated, planned and carried out by the children, with the help from the teacher. The prepared environment include resources such as brochures, phone books, maps, email and internet which the children can use to plan the fieldtrip. The teacher guides the children on how to use these resources.