GRADES 5-6

Public speaking, writing and reading are part of every school day. Our writing program has students focus on paragraph structure and developing complex thoughts and analysis of information. Students work on creating dynamic opening and closing paragraphs, and a variety of five-paragraph essays are developed. The curriculum includes research and informational writing as well as the writing of creative stories, personal narratives, fictional narratives, speeches, persuasive essays, how-to-speeches, and poetry. There are novel studies which allow for an analysis of literary features as well as rich discussion on plot, characters, settings and vocabulary. Students learn how to write a book report and create a visual aid which represents a theme of the book. Grammar and punctuation studies, as well as vocabulary, are incorporated into the writing process. The 5th and 6th graders publish a monthly school newspaper, the Howler.

Math in the 5-6 classroom uses a variety of best-practice programs and is taught in small group differentiated lessons to ensure student’s unique needs are met. Over the two-year period, we focus on number sense, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, ratios, percents, algebraic concepts and equations, inequalities, graphing, statistics, measurement and geometric concepts in plane and solid geometry. Students move toward higher-order thinking as they take these concepts and apply them to real-world problems. Teachers have the ability to scaffold lessons to allow for reteaching, extra practice and enrichment activities. Math challenges, review of prior skills, and math across the curriculum help to solidify skills.

Culture focuses on the emotional, social, physical, and economic needs of different people that make up our country. We actively guide our students through rich discussions and personal reflection to develop an understanding of how diversity, equity and inclusion can strengthen a community. In 5th grade, the focus is on the growth of America focusing on exploration, indigenous people (past and present), African life before the 16th century, European struggle for control, colonial times, enslaved people and the struggle for freedom, American Revolution, government, immmigration and economics. Students are also given freedom to study areas of interest independently as part of their daily work. The 6th grade year is focused on preparing for the MMUN (Montessori Model United Nations). Students are immersed in their chosen country and learn the history, geography, political, economic and social issues. Geography is a major area of focus as well, learning about map skills and other countries.

Science is taught as whole class lessons during a two-year cycle. Our Earth and life science year begins with the Big Bang Theory and progresses through the geologic time scale with a focus on the formation of Earth and life. We then discuss how cellular life formed more complex life forms and discuss how plants and animals are similar, different and connected. Our physical science year focuses on characteristics of matter, Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they relate to our everyday lives, forces and motion as well as magnets and electricity. We also dive into environmental studies with focus on water, energy and ecology. Our science and environmental units include project-based learning, group engineering and cooperative work as well as incorporating writing and research within the subject areas. Students have the opportunity to study areas of interest and current events.

Students are guided and encouraged to learn accountability and independence by building positive self-awareness through actions and leadership opportunities. Students live the Montessori philosophy through their involvement in their community, school, classroom, home and beyond while building responsibility for themselves and realizing their impact on society. Within the classroom, students have daily, weekly and long-term goals to manage and accomplish.