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Reading and Mathematics are more firmly established and the students are ready to take on more substantial curricula of learning culture and arts and sciences to a greater degree than is found in traditional schools. Children at this age will find their studies to be more challenging, stimulating and fun. History in a Montessori classroom comes to life for the children. Rather than learning dates and facts, the children become immersed in an era. They hear and read great works of literature; plays are written, enacted, and produced entirely by the children. Field trips enhance what the children are discovering in their studies. In addition, the children begin a three year thematic study, until the child has a full grasp on the subject the child is studying.
In Social Studies, the Montessori curriculum is always presented in an integrated manner. For example, if children are studying France, they will learn French dances, study French literature, sample foods from France, and learn about France's history, arts, architecture, economics, etc. The Mathematics curriculum continues to work from the concrete to the abstract to create greater understanding of the mathematical concepts. The strength of the Montessori Math curriculum is in the practical application of mathematical concepts in solving real problems in areas such as science, engineering, technology and economics. Computer Class is taught mostly in groups. The children learn how to use the Internet for research writing, presentations and email (Pen Pal) correspondence. All subjects are interwoven. History, art, music, math, astronomy, biology, geology, physics and chemistry are not isolated from one another and a child studies them in the order he chooses. At any one time in the day, all subjects (math, language, science, history, etc…) may be studied at all levels. Normally, in this age grouping, there are two 3-hour, uninterrupted work periods each day, not broken up by required group lessons or teacher lessons. Adults and children respect each other's concentration. Groups form spontaneously. There are no grades or other forms of reward or punishment. Assessment is kept by portfolios, the teacher's observations and record keeping. The test of whether or not the system is working lies in the accomplishment and behavior of the children. Their happiness, maturity and kindness show the love of learning and work. Students design 1-2 week contracts with their teachers to balance their work and to become responsible for their own time management and education. The work of the 6-12 year-old children includes subjects usually not introduced until high school.
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Science continues to be studied in the Montessori fashion in a hands-on way that makes the understanding of Science complete. Children construct models and charts, explore astronomy, botany and zoology. They measure, experiment, analyze, and observe all aspects of science that traditional students may not study until high school.
