ELEMENTARY: 1st - 6th GRADE
E1: Lower Elementary
6 - 9 years old, 1st-3rd grade
E2: Upper Elementary
9 - 12 years old, 4th-6th grade
"THE GREATEST GIFTS WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN ARE THE ROOTS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND THE WINGS OF INDEPENDENCE."
-Dr. Maria Montessori
Elementary
In Elementary, there is an emphasis on the development of independence, self-advocacy, and skills to productively work with others. Each day starts with a morning work period, which includes the Atrium, small group lessons, and uninterrupted work time to explore interests and complete projects. Lunch and recess are followed by an afternoon work period that might include a read-aloud, P.E., art, music, or other special activity in addition to progress on unfinished works.
AREAS OF LEARNING
FAITH
Dr. Montessori used the term “Atrium,” derived from the gathering place for worship in the early Christian church, to describe the spiritual environment that is carefully set up and prepared for the children to proclaim the message of Jesus, teach the lessons Jesus taught, and focus on the Word and worship. Each of our environments houses an altar, religious work, and biblical lessons through which the children can express their faith in Christ.
PRACTICAL LIFE
Practical Life at the Elementary level focuses on skills that connect children with their interests in the outside world, help them organize their time, and participate in their community. While self-care and appropriate social interactions are still supported, the emphasis is on teaching responsibility.
MATHEMATICS
Montessori math materials provide children with hands-on, visual, and tactile learning aids to understand abstract concepts on a deeper level. In Elementary, we introduce new purposes for familiar math materials to help children consider mathematical concepts, operations, and complex functions, ultimately expanding their advanced mathematical knowledge and understanding.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading and writing are essential to all subjects in a Montessori Elementary environment. Using these skills, students share their ideas through formal and informal presentations, express their interests and satisfy their curiosity. The Montessori language materials are designed for children to explore the intricacies of written and spoken language, helping elementary students master grammar, writing conventions, and spelling.
CULTURAL STUDIES
Montessori Cultural Studies include geography, history, biology, botany, geology, physical and life sciences. Through culture, children explore the interconnectedness and interdependency of living things. World history is presented through storytelling using “The Story of the World.”
FINE ARTS
The Fine Arts are integral to learning at Hand in Hand. Children are provided with rich opportunities to experience music, dance, literature, and art. Involvement in the arts helps children find meaningful expression.
3-DAY HOMESCHOOL HYBRID
The Elementary 3-Day Homeschool Academy is a program designed for home-educated students between the ages of 6 and 12. It offers a unique blend of two educational models – homeschooling and academy – providing the best of both worlds. This homeschooling partnership allows children to be part of a consistent school community for three days a week and spend the remaining two days learning with their parents at home. It also allows parents to maintain the primary responsibility for their child’s education at home while receiving support, accountability, and encouragement. This model has produced proven results and rewards.
4.5-DAY PRIVATE ACADEMY
Our full-time private academy incorporates best educational practices drawing not only from the Montessori method but other educational models such as classical. With the Montessori method, materials, and grace and courtesy as our leading compass and roadmap, we continue to look for today’s constructivist practices that can be incorporated to create an atmosphere of relevance and excellence for our students. Students have purposeful work today and are prepared for tomorrow.