ELEMENTARY LEVEL CURRICULUM
YONGE CAMPUS - PRE-SCHOOL TO GRADE 8*
Century Montessori offers an enriched, integrated educational environment where individualized learning strategies are the strength of our curriculum. This allows each student to progress at her/his own optimal rate, focusing on individual needs. Individualized learning establishes a positive bond between student and teacher.
Consistent with the Montessori approach to education, which is the cornerstone of our preschool/kindergarten and our elementary and middle school programs, we incorporate a wide variety of creative and carefully developed concrete hands-on materials, which clarify abstract principles. Students progress from an understanding of facts and concepts to the development of abstract reasoning, critical thinking skills, and advanced problem solving.
Traditional academic disciplines are integrated with the Arts (Music, Drama and Visual Arts) and experiences are broadened through a variety of field trips and special projects.
All of our classrooms are fully equipped with the hands-on tools that ensure students have a concrete grasp of skills taught, in turn, leading to the development of critical and analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
The Elementary Program follows the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum in conjunction with the Montessori Method of Education. The Montessori Method of Education and its philosophy facilitates academic success that meets and surpasses the provincial standards.
Mathematics at Century Montessori School
The Mathematics and Geometry programs are introduced using concrete materials, which allow the student to develop sound computational and geometric skills. These skills provide the students with the strengths that allow them to progress to the abstract level where they develop proficient problem solving skills through the application of critical and analytical thinking.
These materials are used in conjunction with curriculum-based texts, workbooks, and enriched learning tools to reinforce and challenge their reasoning, logic, and problem solving.
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Language Arts at Century Montessori School
Language is the primary form of communication. It is the media through which we give and receive information, interact socially and nurture the imagination. Acquiring skills in the critical areas of reading, writing, thinking, listening, and speaking with clarity are the constructs on which learning is based.
Reading, writing, and comprehension skills are integral parts of the entire curriculum. The language program focuses on grammar, spelling, composition, and comprehension as the student develops an understanding of writing as a graphic form of language. The curriculum is structured to focus on the development of literacy by addressing the major areas of learning: reading, writing, oral communication, and comprehension.
- Reading skills are developed phonetically through the student's work in all areas of the curriculum.
- Once reading is mastered, the student's skills are extended to reading literature and to the art of self-expression through creative writing.
- The program focuses on critical thought and the skills necessary for effective written and verbal communication.
Each student makes active use of the classroom library, the public library and the computer as resources for information and literature.
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Science at Century Montessori School
The student’s natural curiosity and innate need to learn through discovery is nurtured by the sciences. Through a curriculum that includes studies in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Zoology, and Botany, the students are exposed to the fundamental theories and concepts of science with the goal of giving them an understanding of the natural and physical world and their interdependencies.
Classroom instructional units are complemented by field trips to help the students make the connection between the principles and theories learned and their role and functions in the real life applications.
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Health and Physical Education at Century Montessori School
The physical education program is designed to address the student’s development through mastery of Fundamental Movement Skills, Healthy Living and Active Participation. These factors play a large role in the development of positive self-image, self-esteem, and confidence.
Through the health and Physical Education curriculum, students will develop:
- an understanding of the importance of physical fitness, health and well-being and the factors that contribute to them;
- a personal commitment to regular physical activity and positive health behaviours;
- the basic movement skills they require to participate in physical activities throughout their lives.
The achievement of the objectives of the Health and Physical Education program will not only enhance each student's life but will also result in a healthier population. In addition to the curriculum-based physical education program, we also have competitive teams in:
- soccer
- cross-country
- track & field
Throughout the school year, students participate in our house leagues, taking full advantage of our three soccer fields and basketball court. Our gymnastics program is a highlight during the winter months.
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The Arts at Century Montessori School
The Arts program is an important part of the school’s curriculum as it contributes to the overall development of the student. The Arts program encompasses Visual Arts, Music, and Drama. Study of the arts foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth, nurtures creativity and gives students other means of expression, verbally and non-verbally.
It encourages self-expression and communication as well as strengthening their critical and creative thinking skills. It gives them skills to work effectively in groups as well as the confidence to work independently. The Arts program is a vital component of an integrated curriculum, showing the relationship among subject areas and demonstrating the connectivity that exists in all disciplines.
A specialist in each area of expertise teaches the Visual Arts, Music, and Drama programs.
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Visual Arts at Century Montessori School
The visual arts program is fine arts based and is designed to help students develop their creativity, express themselves and communicate with others through visual images, and sharpen their powers of observation.
Students acquire a range of skills and specific knowledge as they progress through the program, from grades 1 through 8. Students will:
- Begin to develop the ability to communicate about their immediate environment and interests through visual images. They will learn to use a variety of art tools, materials, and techniques and will identify elements of design and describe how artists use them.
- Use the elements of design to communicate for a variety of purposes and to produce works of art on a variety of themes.
- Study the principles of design and will produce works of art that demonstrate their proficiency in using a variety of tools, materials, and techniques.
- Apply the knowledge and skills learned to analyse art works representing various styles and different historical periods.
Students from pre-school to grade eight will explore and work with a variety of age appropriate media and techniques:
- 3-dimensional perspective
- Shading
- Shadowing
- Colour Theory
- Art History
- Still Life
- Human Figure
- Landscape
- Composition
- Proportion
- Crafts
- Drawing – pastels, charcoal, soft lead pencil
- Painting – watercolour, acrylic
- Sculpting
- Pottery – pinching, coil, slab and throwing
Students will visit and participate in a variety of programs at several art galleries. They will create their own gallery and display their own works of arts at various times throughout the school year.
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Century Montessori Performing Arts (Drama and Dance) Program
The Performing Arts Program is a core subjects, as is the Music and Visual Arts Programs. At Century Montessori, we recognize the arts as an effective vehicle for improving student achievement. The program fosters the strengthening of multiple intelligences, creative thinking, cultural diversity, innovation, and awareness of themselves and of others.
Students are introduced to the elements of dance:
1. Body Awareness: Locomotor, Non-Locomotor, Body Base, Body Shape, and Body Parts
2. Time: Tempo, Duration Beat, Accent, Rhythm
3. Energy: Weight, Flow, Quality
4. Space: Level, Direction, Focus, Range, Pathway, Place
5. Relationships: Individual, Group, Pair, Objects and Environment
Students are introduced to the history of dance and various types of dance.
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Modern
- Creative
- Hip Hop
- Break dancing
- Improvisation
- Folk
- Acro
The drama program provides students with means of expression and creativity.
Elements of the program include improvisation, scene and monologue work, to voice and movement for the actor, as well as character development. Students are also introduced to the Stagecraft, the technical aspects of theatre: scenery, costumes, lighting and sound, music, backstage hand, prop makeup, organizing the cast and preparation support.
Students from Pre-School through grade eight participate in various performances throughout the school year.
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Century Montessori Music Program
The music program at Century Montessori is a comprehensive and progressive course designed to capture the student’s interest and cultivate a love for music. Students have two lessons a week in which they develop their creative skills and gain the essential musical knowledge need for a true appreciation of music.
With the aid of specific Montessori sensorial materials, students from pre-school to senior kindergarten develop their auditory skills and acquire essential musical experience in creative movement, choral speech, signing and playing un-pitched percussion instruments. The program also incorporates both the Carl Orff (instrumental) and Zoltan Kodaly (vocal) methods of music education.
Students from grade one through three learn to sing and read music notation, and perform in various music ensembles such as drumming circle and the Orff instrumentarium (melody instruments).
The recorder ensemble (soprano and alto recorders) is introduced in grades two and three. Students are exposed to and encouraged to appreciate music of different cultures and historic periods by listening and playing. Being part of a music ensemble gives students the opportunity to learn to problem solve and develop good communication and critical thinking skills.
Band Class begins at grade four and continues through grade eight. Students learn to play a woodwind or brass instrument and participate in mentor groups and small ensembles. Students develop important leadership skills, a sense of team-building and strong work ethics. The band program starts earlier than the public schools and students learn music notation, analysis, composition, and history at an earlier grade.
All students enjoy performing in concerts throughout the school year with major performances in December (Winter Concert) and June (Battle of the Bands and FunFest). Students also perform at various venues in the community and attend various concerts and music festivals.
Century Montessori has an elective Choir and is open to students from grades three to eight.
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FRENCH PROGRAM
The French Program at Century Montessori is mandatory for all grade levels and begins at the Casa/Pre-School level through grade eight. Students have a period of instruction each school day.
The Casa/Pre-School Program introduces the students to basic everyday vocabulary and comprehension through thematic study, role-playing, singing, stories, and music.
Through the year, students learn to develop listening and oral communication skills through the introduction of French vocabulary, common phrases, and common language structures. The themes studied include:
- the calendar
- fruits and vegetables
- farm animals
- weather patterns
- the seasons
- numbers 1 through 40
- good manners
- holidays and celebrations
- winter sports
- clothing
- parts of the body
- the family
- shapes
- the classroom
- opposites
- feelings
- the continents
- prepositions
- professions/community helpers
The Grades one to eight program is structured into three strands and is designed to develop a range of skills in reading, writing, and oral language, with a focus on spelling and grammar.
Oral Communication: Listening, Speaking, Application of Language Conventions.
Reading: Comprehension and Response to Text, Application of Language Conventions.
Writing: Communication of Information and Ideas, Language Structures, Grammar, Language Conventions, and Vocabulary.
Overall Expectations of the Elementary Level Curriculum
By the end of Grade 1, students will:
- listen and respond to simple spoken texts;
- talk about familiar topics using simple vocabulary and expressions;
- read short, simple written materials and demonstrate understanding through oral responses;
- identify and use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities.
By the end of Grade 2, students will:
- listen and respond to simple spoken texts and media works;
- talk about a variety of familiar topics using simple vocabulary and expressions;
- read simple written materials and demonstrate understanding through oral and very brief written responses.
By the end of Grade 3, students will:
- listen and respond to a variety of short, simple written and oral texts and media works dealing with familiar topics;
- Express ideas, feelings and opinions on a variety of familiar topics, using correct pronunciation and appropriate intonation;
- Read a variety of simple written materials 100 to 150 words long, containing basic learned vocabulary, and demonstrate understanding through oral and brief written responses;
- Identify and use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities, in their responses to reading materials, and in their written work;
- Write very simple texts and responses following a model.
By the end of Grade 4, students will:
- Listen and talk about short, simple oral texts dealing with familiar topics;
- Read a variety of simple materials, 100 to 150 words long, and demonstrate understanding.
- listen and respond to a variety of simple spoken texts and media works;
- express ideas and opinions on a variety of familiar topics, using correct pronunciation and
appropriate intonation;
- read a variety of simple texts and media works and demonstrate understanding through oral and brief written responses; produce short pieces of writing in a variety of forms for specific purposes;
- identify and use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities, in their responses to reading materials, and in their written work.
By the end of Grade 5, students will:
- listen and respond to a variety of spoken texts and media works;
- express ideas and opinions on a range of topics, using correct pronunciation and appropriate
intonation;
- read a variety of texts and media works and demonstrate understanding through a range of
oral and written responses;
- produce written texts, using a variety of forms, for various purposes and in a range of contexts;
- identify and use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities, in their responses to reading materials, and in their written work.
By the end of Grade 6, students will:
- express ideas, feelings, and opinions in conversations and discussions, using learned language structures and a variety of vocabulary and expressions;
- write in a variety of forms, adjusting language to suit the audience.
- listen and respond to a wide range of spoken texts and media works;
- express ideas and opinions clearly on a range of topics, using correct pronunciation and appropriate intonation;
- read a variety of fiction and non-fiction and demonstrate understanding through a range of oral and written responses;
- produce clear written texts, using a variety of forms, for various purposes and in a range of contexts;
- identify and use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities, in their responses to reading materials, and in their written work.
By the end of Grade 7, students will:
- listen and respond to a wide range of spoken texts and media works;
- express ideas and opinions clearly and coherently on a range of topics, using correct pronunciation and appropriate intonation;
- read a variety of fiction and non-fiction and demonstrate understanding through a broad range of oral and written responses;
- produce clear, coherent written texts in a variety of forms, adjusting the language to suit the purpose and audience;
- identify and use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities, in
their responses to reading materials, and in their written work.
By the end of Grade 8, students will:
- listen and respond to short, structured spoken texts;
- listen and respond to a variety of short, simple, non-structured media works;
- express ideas and opinions in short conversations and teacher-guided discussions;
- make oral presentations on a variety of topics;
- use appropriate language conventions during oral communication activities.
Source: The Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum
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