The Californer - How Children Learn In Elementary School

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Why Montessori Lower Elementary Curriculum Focuses On Independent Learning

SAN DIEGO - Californer -- Montessori lower elementary curriculum focuses on how children learn, according to Kristin Edwards, M.Ed., and Director of Lifetime Montessori School in San Diego.

"In Montessori, we build an independent learning environment. The correct answer is not the goal; it's the journey that's important—the 'why and how' rather than just the 'what'," Edwards says.

"Students learn how to think by making mistakes; then, finding the answer themselves rather than teachers giving it to them. Our job is teaching kids how to become independent learners by not doing their work for them. One way how children learn is by digging deeper each year through the same topics," she says.

A Lesson Learned Again Every Year for Six Years

A Montessori lower elementary school education begins with the Five Great Lessons that unveil life in its wonder: how living things, communication and numbers contribute to each person's job on Earth.

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"Every September, the Five Great Lessons are presented to incoming First Graders. But just about every Grade Two thru Six student attends this intro, too. When our youngest students see and hear for the first time how the universe was formed, they experience a 'wow' moment!" Edwards continues.

Why and How Students Compile A Deeper Understanding With Every New View

Each elementary adolescent child retains something new, different and of interest every time around. Plus, they're a year older. Yes, they've experienced something old again but with fresh eyes. As a result, their thinking, understanding, imaginations and passions have been re-kindled.

"Students discover more advanced starting points--and their interests send them forward on their journey," Edwards says. "Montessori's independent learning environment helps them develop ever more complex ways of comprehending the topic and then expressing that deeper understanding and mastery. That's what Montessori independence is all about!"

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Thus, when this conceptualized thinking is applied to math, language, science or history, its re-examination builds a more advanced learning process in every young mind going forward.

Expectation: Overcoming Struggles via Practice

In an independent learning environment, every student is different. So, each student 'needs to know what they must know' to succeed. After this discussion with his or her teacher, your child will develop a self-directed expectation: I must practice and learn this material.

"Students are accountable for their learning and our Montessori lower elementary teachers know how children learn. We empower students by telling them what topic they must grasp better. This expectation pushes your child to address, practice and master the topic…and that's a pathway towards building responsibility and lifelong learning," Edwards concluded.
Visit: https://lifetimemontessorischool.com/tour-lifetime-montessori-school-today