Montessori Classroom at the Elementary Level
Similar to the early childhood classroom, Montessori classrooms at the Elementary level continue to be vibrant environments for learning. Elementary teachers are equally dedicated to creating a physical space that ignites learning while helping children focus, work independently, learn from each other, and be observed and guided by trained Montessori teachers.
Montessori teachers are some of the most highly trained educators out there! At The Glen, our teachers undergo an intensive two-year, Master’s-level Montessori training. On top of that, most of them are state-certified and hold separate Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, along with specialized training in reading, literacy, science, and math.
Our Montessori-certified elementary teachers are accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), the gold standard for Montessori teacher education. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, MACTE ensures our teachers meet the highest level of excellence in Montessori instruction.
In the classroom, Elementary teachers carefully curate:
Practical Life
In the Montessori Elementary program, Practical Life expands from early childhood and focuses on responsibility and life skills. While self-care and social skills remain important, the emphasis shifts to organizing time, managing projects, and engaging with the outside world. Tools like work plans help children make independent choices, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines, fostering organization and responsibility. Community participation and executive functioning become the focus.
Math
The Montessori Elementary program reinforces and deepens understanding of math concepts such as number values, place values, and mathematical operations. It innovatively employs familiar materials to enhance comprehension and encourage children to explore more advanced mathematical ideas and functions. Discover how mathematical education at The Glen builds comprehensively from Birth through 6th grade.
Language
Reading and writing are essential across all Elementary subjects at The Glen Montessori School. Students develop strong language skills by studying grammar, spelling, and mechanics, and they produce polished work through careful penmanship and keyboarding. They engage in critical thinking by reading, analyzing, and comparing literature and expressing their ideas and perspectives. These skills also help them present their thoughts formally and informally.
Cultural Studies
In Montessori, Science, and Social Studies are combined into a discipline called cultural studies. Cultural Studies integrate zoology, botany, geography, geology, physical and life sciences, and anthropology, helping children understand their connections to their world.
These lessons also cover history, world geography, civics, economics, peace and justice, the arts, world languages, and physical education. Cultural Studies are centered around “Great Lessons,” engaging narratives that explore the origins of the universe and Earth and the ongoing development of human progress.
Students learn about the interconnection of all living things through the laws of physics and chemistry. Starting with the study of civilization, they examine the contributions of history and the importance of being a responsible citizen, seeking ways to create a more peaceful world.
Peace Education
Elementary children continue to grow and refine the basic conflict resolution skills learned in Children’s House to reflect the more complex interpersonal skills necessary for developing social awareness. Daily Community Meetings allow the class to address class-wide problems in a supportive environment. They enable children to speak up for themselves, respectfully disagree, and find mutually beneficial solutions. Community Meetings also help the children build a strong community by sharing acknowledgments and celebrating achievements together.
How is progress measured in a Montessori Classroom?
Through ongoing observation of their work, Montessori teachers know each child’s strengths, challenges, and progress. Teachers observe children at work, evaluate their completed work, and conference one-on-one regularly to understand where the child is in their learning and plan for future lessons. Progress is not measured by what the child knows at a certain point but by the child’s growth over time.
Elementary continues to be a 3-year cycle; throughout that time, parents and teachers work together to help each child reach their potential.
Attend an upcoming open house to learn more about Montessori classrooms for all age levels, or schedule a tour of The Glen.
For more reading:
Teacher Education: Montessori Training – Upper Elementary or What does it take to be a Montessori Teacher?
What is a Prepared Environment?
Montessori Mathematics: Why is it Different?
American Montessori Society – The Secondary Classroom: Middle and High School