Curriculum

In the educational journey, students enhance their language skills through routine writing and reading tasks encompassing a wide variety of themes. The fundamentals of writing, such as punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and sentence structure, are taught in individual lessons before being integrated into the students' personal projects. Cursive writing is introduced at this level to continue the development of fine motor skills and quality of written work. Through opportunities for show-and-tell, cultural projects, and presentations to classmates, verbal communication skills are honed.

At the Lower Elementary level, the curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in language arts. Students continue to build their vocabulary with word study work, including synonyms and antonyms. They begin to construct various types of sentences through journals and creative writing. Grammar is explored in depth, with students learning about the parts of speech. Storytelling and listening to read-alouds also play a crucial role at this stage, fostering a love of literature and enhancing comprehension skills.

As students transition to the Upper Elementary level, the curriculum expands to include more complex language skills. Grammar lessons continue, with a more detailed approach to the parts of speech and sentence structure. Word study helps students increase their creative vocabulary, which includes figurative language like similes, metaphors, and hyperbole. The importance of reading comprehension is emphasized, and students participate in book discussions and novel study groups to evaluate and interpret texts. Writing skills are further developed, with students learning to write in various genres, including narrative, persuasive, and informational writing. Research skills are also introduced, preparing students for more advanced academic work.

Outdoor learning plays a significant role in enhancing the language curriculum. Students have a wide range of possibilities to use and develop their language abilities in the natural world. For instance, students might engage in nature journaling, where they observe, describe what they see, hear, and feel, then write about the natural world around them. Additionally, they might take part in outdoor storytelling or poetry readings, which can stimulate their imagination and deepen their understanding of language.

Our language curriculum nurtures a deep understanding of language arts, fosters a love of reading and writing, and promotes independent learning. The integration of outdoor learning further enriches this curriculum, providing real-world contexts for students to apply and enhance their language skills.

The Montessori math curriculum for Lower and Upper Elementary students is designed to foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through hands-on, experiential learning. Lower Elementary students are introduced to concepts like number sense, place value, and basic operations, using materials like the Montessori chequerboard and stamp game. This practical approach emphasizes problem-solving skills and logical thinking.

As students transition to Upper Elementary grades, the curriculum introduces more complex concepts, including advanced operations, decimals, percentages, and pre-algebra. The teaching methods remain hands-on and experiential, with materials like the Montessori pegboard and decimal chequerboard used to visualize advanced concepts. The curriculum is sequential and interconnected, allowing students to build upon their previous knowledge.

The Montessori math curriculum also extends beyond the classroom, integrating real-world experiences to enrich learning. Experiential learning allows students to learn by doing, enhancing understanding and retention of mathematical concepts. For instance, students might learn about fractions by dividing a pizza or a pie into equal parts, or learn about measurement by measuring classroom objects, or baking in the kitchen. Students might use natural materials to practice counting, addition, or subtraction, or explore geometric shapes in the environment. They could also use their observations of the sun and shadows to understand concepts related to time and angles. This active learning fosters a positive attitude towards math.

Incorporating experiential and outdoor learning into the Montessori math curriculum at Planted Seed provides a rich, engaging, and holistic learning experience. It allows students to see the relevance of math in their everyday lives, fosters a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, and promotes a love of learning.

The Montessori curriculum for Science, Social, and Cultural studies is an integrated, hands-on approach that encourages exploration and discovery in both Lower and Upper Elementary students.

In Lower Elementary, the science curriculum introduces students to basic concepts in biology, astronomy and earth science. Students learn about the life cycle of plants and animals, celestial objects including stars, the Sun and the Moon, and the structure of the Earth. The social and cultural curriculum focuses on geography, history, and cultural studies, with students learning about the continents, our Fundamental Needs and interpersonal connections, and the diversity of cultures around the world.

As students transition to Upper Elementary, the curriculum builds upon this foundation and delves deeper into these subjects. In science, students explore more complex topics such as ecosystems, the periodic table, and the movements of water and air. In social and cultural studies, students explore more detailed studies of geography and history, and they begin to examine economic concepts and global issues.

Students undertake experiments to comprehend scientific concepts in science. In social and cultural studies, they participate in role-playing and project-based learning to comprehend historical events and cultural practices. Outdoor learning further enhances this approach. For example, students might observe wildlife or plant life cycles to understand biology, or they might use a compass and maps during outdoor excursions to understand geography.

The Science, Social, and Cultural curriculum at Planted Seed is a comprehensive, hands-on approach that nurtures curiosity, fosters critical thinking, and promotes an understanding and appreciation of the world around us.

The curriculum for Lower and Upper Elementary students places a strong emphasis on Moral Development and Experiential Learning, integrating these elements into all aspects of the educational experience.

Moral Development is a key focus, with the school fostering an environment that encourages empathy, respect, and responsibility. For Lower Elementary students, this involves learning about fairness, honesty, and kindness through stories, discussions, and role-playing activities. As students transition to Upper Elementary, they delve deeper into ethical concepts, exploring issues like justice, equality, and environmental stewardship. They are encouraged to reflect on their actions, understand the impact of their decisions, and develop a strong moral compass.

Experiential Learning is another cornerstone of the curriculum at Planted Seed Montessori School. Students learn by doing, engaging in hands-on activities that bring academic concepts to life. This approach is applied across all subjects, from math and science to language and social studies, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.

Outdoor learning plays a significant role in both Moral Development and Experiential Learning. The natural environment provides a wealth of opportunities for students to learn about respect for all living things, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Students might plant and care for a garden, observing the life cycle of plants and learning about responsibility and the importance of nurturing. They might also participate in cleanup activities in local parks, fostering a sense of community responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At Planted Seed Montessori School, Moral Development and Experiential Learning are integral parts of the curriculum for Lower and Upper Elementary students. Through hands-on, outdoor experiences, students are guided to develop strong moral values, a deep understanding of academic concepts, and a love of learning.