Lower Elementary
“It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to teach child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.”
-Dr. Maria Montessori
“One of the things that you will see when you enter their new elementary classroom is joy, excitement and enthusiasm. These are not children who are given workbooks and simplistic assignments to do over and over again. These will normally become deeply engaged in work that they will find interesting, meaningful, and often intriguing”. - Tim Seldin, Montessori Foundation
We currently have two Lower Elementary classrooms, both located at our Wenatchee campus. These classrooms includes ages 6 - 9 years old which typically translates into grades 1st - 3rd.
3-hour Work Period
Children who are new to Montessori quickly feel at home with the inspired teaching that appeals to their deepest interests, and with the distinctive, hands-on learning materials that teachers introduce sequentially according to the students’ developmental needs.
The classroom is a happy community. Students are focused. They take joy in their work. They invent, explore, experiment, confer, create, prepare snacks, and curl up with books; sometimes they might even reflect in a peaceful, meditative corner.
Individual Learning
Teachers in a Montessori classroom circulate throughout the room, observing the students and making notes about their progress, ever ready to offer support or introduce new material, as appropriate.
Montessori students don’t just memorize facts and figures. They also learn the “hows,” “whens,” and “whys,” ensuring that learning takes place on a deep and fundamental level. Specially designed learning materials that use real objects and actions to translate abstract ideas into concrete form support them in this learning.
Teachers introduce materials to students according to their level of development and readiness. Students then work with the materials to make exciting discoveries—such as why, when dividing fractions, we invert and multiply. Inherent in the use of Montessori materials is the understanding of the power of discovering answers on one’s own.
Wellness Program
One of the most beloved parts of our program is our wellness program. The children participate in winter sports like snowshoeing and skiing, as well as warm weather activities like hiking, biking and running. We also incorporate yoga and mindfulness in to our daily routine. The goal of PE is not just to get the wiggles out, but to connect children to activities they can enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle.