Independence Grows

The Montessori Elementary classroom is a community of learners, friends, and guides. The low teacher-student ratio at MCH ensures that each child is welcomed, honored and respected. Both Lower and Upper Elementary students discover many opportunities for leadership and learning through collaborations and small group projects. 

Dr. Montessori called on Elementary teachers to give the child an understanding of the vast universe, and to help each child find their own unique sense of belonging in the world. 
 
The magnificent natural terrain and structures of playground at MCH have made the great outdoors a second home for students. Students often extend their lessons in our outdoor spaces, exploring learned concepts independent of their teacher and creating their own understanding while relying on each other as guides and collaborators. They close the circle of their learning by sharing it with their classmates or a teacher. This assessment phase allows them to articulate their understanding and demonstrate their mastery. This work is supportive, collaborative and helps them understand themselves more deeply.

In the video, you will see some of our second-grade students building a timeline of life on Earth. This work is helping them to create an understanding of the vastness of time, the diversity of life, and the wonder that science reveals. They are working together, independent of the teacher, and inspiring and motivating each other’s discoveries. Leadership and connection are essential in a child’s journey of self-development. 

In the MCH classroom, children have the opportunity to continue to progress at their own pace in an environment that nurtures a love of learning. The program encourages children to function at the upper limits of their potential while respecting and nurturing individual abilities. Students take responsibility for their own learning and have daily opportunities to make decisions and choices in a child centered classroom. They are exposed to many complex concepts at an early age through the use of wonderful concrete learning materials.

At the Elementary level, MCH students students learn to think for themselves. They are encouraged to do their own research, analyze what they have found, and come to their own conclusions. Montessori teaches students to think, not simply to memorize, feedback, and forget. They literally learn how to learn, discovering that the process of learning can, and should, be as natural as breathing! Students become fully engaged in the learning process. Each student is assessed and guided on an individual basis, according to Montessori best practices and current research. 

The video below shows an example of how an MCH teacher personalizes geometric concepts for one of our students. She trusts that other students will stay engaged and focused on their independent and group work because in this multi-age, diverse community the students know how to rely on and support each other.