East Bay Montessori

Montessori Elementary Program

Grades 1 - 6

Lower and Upper Elementary Programs

In the Montessori Elementary programs, students begin to tackle increasingly complex and longer-term projects. Students at East Bay Montessori take on true ownership over their studies by compiling and tracking their own weekly Work Plans. They adopt and actively benefit from peer-based mentorship in our mixed-aged classrooms.

Windows Into the Classrooms

Lower Elementary — 1st through 3rd grade with 2 Montessori trained teachers


Upper Elementary — 4th through 6th grade with 2 Montessori trained teachers

 

The areas of study remain consistent from Kindergarten Bridge, while topics and assignments naturally grow in complexity. This allows the student to revisit past lessons in novel and increasingly intellectual ways. Learning is an active experience rather than rote memorization of facts. Leadership development is foundational to the Montessori philosophy and is fostered through our Elementary programs.

Lower Elementary Schedule

8:30 - 8:50 - Arrival and Outdoor Recess

8:50 - 9:00 - Circle

9:00 - 11:30 - Work Period or Resources

11:30 - 11:45 - Classroom Jobs

11:45 - 1:00 - Lunch and Outdoor Recess

1:00 - 1:15 - Story Read Aloud

1:15 - 2:30 - Work Period or Resources

2:30 - 2:50 - Classroom Jobs

2:50 - 3:00 - Circle

3:00 - 3:30 - Dismissal

Upper Elementary Schedule

8:30 - 8:45 - Arrival

8:45 - 9:00 - Morning Meeting

9:00 - 11:45 - Work period or Resources

11:45 - 12:00 - Classroom Jobs

12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch and Outdoor Recess

1:00 - 2:45 - Work Period or Resources

2:45 - 3:30 - Classroom Jobs and Dismissal

Two Lower Elementary students working on the Montessori Stamp Game (a math material). In the Montessori Elementary program at EBM.
Three Upper Elementary students working together with Montessori division materials in the Montessori Elementary classroom.
An Upper Elementary student looking inquisitively at a Montessori math bead at East Bay Montessori.

“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”

- Dr. Montessori

Cultural Studies

Lower Elementary Program

In Montessori, Cultural Studies encompass the traditional disciplines of social studies and science. Students will learn about the timeline of the earth, botany, zoology, and geography.

Upper Elementary Program

Cultural Studies are at the heart of the Upper Elementary program and are presented in weekly group lessons. Both history and science are taught in 3-year cycles. Students will learn about early civilizations through recent American history during their 3 years. The science lessons include the periodic table, earth science, and biology. Work includes hands-on labs, model making, and research projects.

A Lower Elementary student painting his map of Asia with watercolors. Geography is a big part of the Montessori curriculum.
Two Upper Elementary students presenting a research poster about the country of India. This is an example of freedom of choice in the Montessori curriculum.

Math

Lower Elementary Program

Montessori hands-on math materials provide a concrete foundation in the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This knowledge allows students to develop problem-solving skills and place math in a real-life context. Students are also introduced to the studies of time and measurement, estimation, fractions and geometry. The student develops the ability to transition from concrete materials to understanding the material abstractly.

Upper Elementary Program

Once the four operations are mastered, students move on to study fractions, decimals and percents, problem solving, algebra, logic, graphing, probability, the metric system, and different base systems. Geometry materials give them a strong foundation in the study of plane figures, area and volume, and formulas. Students are also introduced to the concepts of congruence, similarity, and equivalence. 

Two Lower Elementary students working together on a Montessori math material called Test Tube Division in our El Cerrito elementary program.
Three Upper Elementary students working together on a Montessori math material called the Checkerboard. Checkerboard is for long form multiplication.

Language

Lower Elementary Program

The Lower Elementary Language curriculum provides students with an understanding and appreciation of reading, literature, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling, homophones, antonyms, root words, alphabetizing skills, and research. Reading and writing skills are developed through phonemic awareness, grammar and word study, mechanics, spelling, reading comprehension, cultural studies, reading groups, and the research process.

Upper Elementary Program

The Language Program expands the study of grammar and creative writing, including poetry, fiction, expository writing, research, playwriting, songwriting, as well as memoirs. We feature an in-depth literature sequence that introduces students to reading novels and discussing them in literature seminars. Students have book choice and then meet to discuss the story. Each group member has the responsibility to contribute to the discussion and has a role in completing the group assignment.  At the end of the literature four-week cycle, students also write an essay. 

A Lower Elementary student practicing writing with The Tortoise and the Hare. The Montessori philosophy highlights handwriting and self directed research.
Two Upper Elementary students sitting together reading a book quietly.

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or schedule a tour online. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.

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