Lower Elementary: Grades 1–3

The Lower Elementary math curriculum deepens the students’ understanding of simple mathematical operations introduced in Children’s House. Through the use of Montessori manipulative materials, students establish a concrete basis of understanding to support more abstract concepts such as algebra and geometry. Students develop a conceptual understanding of basic number facts and functions, the value of money, the meaning of time and spatial relationships, as well as computational and problem solving skills. When they are ready, students are introduced to more advanced materials that help them understand complex concepts including fractions, multiplication, and division.

Comprehension, grammar, spelling, reading, and group discussion skills are further developed at the Lower Elementary level. Essay writing is introduced and simple research reports give students an opportunity to practice their composition skills. In grammar lessons, students learn the parts of speech. Once they they become fluent with the function of words, they learn to break down increasingly complex sentences with sentence analysis. Reading fluency is addressed with the Wilson Fundations Program, which provides the tools for phonetic decoding, reading, and spelling, while complementing the Montessori curriculum. Students also participate in weekly guided reading groups to practice reading comprehension strategies, literature groups to explore different genres of literature, and writing workshops to practice different writing styles including expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative.

Cultural studies in the Lower Elementary program are comprised of geography, history, and science. The cross-curricular nature of topics appeals to students and capitalizes on their interests and learning styles. The broad scope of the curriculum cultivates students who are culturally aware and have a true appreciation for the diversity and interest in the world around them. Students begin to gain an understanding of time and history with an overview of human history through storytelling and colorful timelines. Through research and experimentation they gain a basic knowledge of the political, physical, and economic geography of the continents.

Lower Elementary science lessons incorporate biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Through storytelling, hands-on experiments, exploration, and research, students gain a knowledge of the basic land and water formations, longitude and latitude, the use of a compass, and the study of different flora and fauna. Students also learn about the families of the animal kingdom, including vertebrates and invertebrates. The scientific method is taught at the elementary level, and students in the third year (grade) of Lower Elementary and older apply these skills in an interdisciplinary project in which they explore the work of inventors, identify a real-world need, design and build a prototype, and craft a persuasive sales pitch to present at our annual Invention Convention.

Social and emotional learning includes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making and relationship skills. By developing these skills and promoting prosocial behavior, we strive to create learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and connected. Lower Elementary students explore developmentally appropriate concepts of social and emotional learning. Topics may include the uniqueness of individuals, managing big emotions, the hidden rules in social situations, conflict resolution, kindness, mentoring, friendship, and more. Classes are facilitated in both small groups by grade level, and in large groups by class. Lessons are taught through role-playing activities, stories, hands-on activities, visuals, and guided discussions.

Experiential Education is an important part of the Lower Elementary program. This type of learning provides opportunities for students to apply academic and social/emotional skills beyond the classroom. Off-campus experiences are carefully chosen to extend the in-classroom learning through hands-on and engaging experiences that build on the student’s prior knowledge. Previously, Lower Elementary has visited The Worcester EcoTarium, Drumlin Farms in Lincoln, the Peabody Museum in Cambridge, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, and the Boott Cotton Mills in Lowell.

Lower Elementary students continue building their practical life skills through service to the community. Students begin to internalize and embrace their responsibilities as members of a greater community. Students work together cooperatively to contribute to the community through community service projects, mentoring, and personal passions. Lessons in grace and courtesy continue in Lower Elementary where students learn the importance of peaceful interactions within the community.

Hands-on challenges that invite students to collaborate to solve real-world problems while applying the engineering design process, scientific method, and academic knowledge are the vehicles by which students experience Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Students use scientific equipment and develop their understanding of the scientific process to discover the world around them.

The Lower Elementary art program offers a rich, hands-on experience that supports creativity, confidence, and growing independence. Rooted in Montessori principles and guided by the Studio Habits of Mind, students explore a wide range of materials while learning to care for tools, manage shared resources, and work thoughtfully in a collaborative studio environment. Through drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed-media work, children investigate foundational elements of art and design. Artist studies introduce a variety of styles and ideas, encouraging students to think about meaning, symbolism, and personal expression. Multi-step projects, including clay work, dioramas, and large-scale cardboard constructions, invite planning, perseverance, and imaginative problem-solving. Throughout the program, process is emphasized alongside reflection and revision, allowing students to develop resilience and confidence as they bring ideas from concept to completion.

The art studio is a joyful and purposeful space where curiosity is encouraged, effort is valued, and students grow as expressive, capable young artists.

The Lower Elementary Music & Drama curriculum emphasizes group singing, dance, drumming, musical literacy, ear-training, rhythmic training, individual confidence, creativity, and improvisation. Classes incorporate songs and dances from many traditions, including rounds, canons, and American Sign Language. Increasingly complex notation symbols are introduced, such as clefs, measures, meters, dynamics, articulations, and key signatures. Musical instruments from around the world are utilized in hands-on lessons which incorporate discussion of instrument construction and acoustics. All grades participate in a play each spring. Many students also study musical instruments or voice at Oak Meadow after school and participate in optional arts programs such as Concert Choir and the Afterschool Musical Theatre production.

Lower Elementary nature-based learning builds curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a strong relationship with the natural world through hands-on exploration. Students participate in gardening, forestry, ecology, and outdoor engineering projects that integrate science, math, and collaboration. Nature journaling encourages students to slow down, look closely, and build strong observation skills while learning to identify different species. Regular time in gardens, wetlands, and nearby conservation land supports close observation of plants, animals, rocks, water systems, and decomposers. Activities such as measuring tree circumference, identifying species, studying erosion, and building shelters strengthen scientific thinking and teamwork. Imaginative challenges, like designing new garden spaces, encourage creativity and planning, while gentle excavation projects connect students to the land’s history and stewardship. Through birding, geology, and ecosystem exploration, children learn by doing. These experiences foster independence, resilience, and environmental responsibility, helping students see themselves as capable explorers and thoughtful caretakers of their community and planet.

Lower Elementary Physical Education builds coordination, confidence, and teamwork through engaging movement experiences that support whole-child development. Each class begins with a check-in or question of the day, followed by warm-ups and an introduction to the day’s focus. Students practice fundamental motor skills including running, throwing, kicking, catching, and hand-eye coordination through activities that build progressively throughout the year. Games encourage cooperation, communication, and sportsmanship while introducing foundational sport concepts through tag games, gaga ball, and basic lacrosse skills. Classes conclude with a cool-down and reflection time, allowing students to reset and share observations. Through movement, imagination, and collaboration, students develop physical skills, social awareness, and a positive relationship with physical activity.

Lower Elementary Spanish builds on early language experiences through engaging, developmentally appropriate exploration. Guided by a Comprehensible Input approach, students encounter Spanish through storytelling, music, movement, and play, allowing language to develop naturally in context. Throughout the year, students practice familiar routines, affirmations, calendar work, and weather discussions, helping Spanish become part of everyday classroom life. High-frequency words and phrases support communication about emotions, preferences, actions, family, food, animals, and nature. Interactive games and movement-based activities strengthen listening skills while encouraging joyful participation. Stories and read-alouds introduce cultural themes and provide opportunities for repetition, expression, and creativity. Music reinforces pronunciation and fluency, helping students grow more confident using Spanish. Across grades, children become increasingly comfortable understanding and responding in Spanish, developing a strong foundation for continued language learning and global awareness.