Grades 3-4

Social and practical life skills:  3rd and 4th grade students strengthen social, personal, and academic skills through large and small group instruction as well as individualized lessons. Opportunities to build independence, self-awareness, self-drive, time-management, responsibility, and confidence are incorporated into each day through the fluid and open work environment provided in a Montessori classroom.  The blended age classroom allows for additional levels of peer teaching and learning to take place naturally. 

Math and Geometry:  The rigorous math curriculum allows students of all abilities to solidify their mastery of the basic math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) through the practice of basic facts up through multi-digit numbers. Fractions, decimals and percentages are introduced through the use of Montessori materials, math texts, and online resources. The student has the opportunity to move into more advanced exploration of these concepts as well. Geometry moves beyond the simple recognition of shapes and into the realm of congruency, area, volume, and angle measurement in preparation for more advanced studies. These skills are further developed through solving real world story problems and application in other study areas.

Science (biological and physical):  Students are introduced to and encouraged to explore the physical and biological world around them, throughout the world, and throughout history. They are building their scientific minds through research, asking questions, problem solving, team projects, and observational awareness. The principles of STEM are continually included in the various projects the students participate in or create from their own curiosity. Some of the basic concepts that are covered in two year cycles are:

Formation of the Earth, geology and fossils
Zoology, animal classification, animal systems and ecosystems
Oceans, water cycles, fresh water (the Great Lakes) and weather
Biospheres and environmental sciences
Physical Science
Botany, plant classification and systems
Solar System and space
Health and Human Body

Language (grammar, writing, and reading):  Students build a solid understanding of the English language by studying the parts of speech, sentence symbolizing and sentence diagramming.  Reading from a variety of texts through multiple lenses helps build interest and a passion for reading. Students learn how to read for pleasure and how to read for information as well as how to share what they have read. Reading aloud and listening to readings is another way the students are exposed to literature formats. The Lucy Caulkins Teachers College Writer’s Workshop is the basis for the writing program and this sequence exposes students to a range of writing styles and purposes such as; compare and contrast, argumentative, biographical, research, and creative writing.

Culture/History:  This area of study is scaffolded by the Pollyanna curriculum which builds awareness for peoples, cultures and religions throughout history and the world. It helps to broaden students’ minds about where they came from and where they are going as they build a self-awareness to becoming a citizen of the world. Through the lens of literacy, research, discussion and reflection, the students are guided to further their understanding of:

Kindness and Acceptance
Civil Rights and Civil Rights Movements
Peace and Service
Where Did Humans Come From?
Ancient Civilizations
Effects of Geography on Societal Development
     Includes map & globe skills, continents, countries, government & economy