Why choose private elementary when you can send your child to public school?
Parents often choose Montessori for their elementary children because they believe deeply in their child's ability to learn. They want their child to be able to pursue his own interests, expand on his individual strengths, discover how he learns best, and develop the ability to organize and initiate his own learning. In a Guidepost Montessori classroom, the elementary student is afforded opportunities that include:
Socialization with peers: In this stage of development, students are becoming more social beings with very curious minds, and the elementary environment fosters this need by providing opportunities for the child to work in groups. They are able to discuss topics, argue points, draw conclusions, learn something new, spark their imagination, and develop their reasoning skills in an environment where they respect each other’s points of view because they have learned the importance of love and kindness.
At the elementary age, children crave being in groups and are learning their place in the world socially. Montessori is set up for the children to be social in a natural way while still being productive. Mixed ages is a key component to all Montessori classrooms, but it is particularly useful in a collaborative elementary space. The children are able to work together and learn from each other rather than fighting their natural instinct to talk and socialize.
Responsibility in their own learning: In a Montessori elementary classroom, your child will take on increasing responsibility for directing and managing his own work, with thoughtful guidance from his teacher. The students will be encouraged to think about what inspires them and what challenges them. Over the years, they will also learn how to organize their time, plan progressively larger projects, and work effectively with others. Most importantly, they will begin to understand whatever it is they love to do. The children learn deep critical thinking skills and have true responsibility over their learning.
Hands-on materials: One of the greatest aspects of the Montessori elementary classroom is how students are able to learn through movement and hands-on materials. The materials and lessons are introduced to each child at their own developmental level, allowing the child to absorb and understand information on their own time as opposed to rote memorization. The elementary environment offers time and space for the child to truly understand and master a skill. Because of this, the student finds joy in the work he does and is growing to become an invested, lifelong learner.
In an elementary Montessori classroom, your child learns executive functioning skills that will support him for a lifetime.
