The goal of Montessori education at PBMS is to aid children in their own natural development. This includes physical, emotional, and cognitive skills necessary for becoming an effective contributing member of society.
Curriculum
Before making an intelligent choice about what they are to do with their lives and how to succeed in our culture, children need to know how culture evolves. This learning is achieved in a joyful process that reflects the pleasure of learning. The curriculum includes the following subjects:
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- History
- Geography
- Music
- Science
- Art
- Physical Education
- Spanish
Practical Life
Practical life activities are most suited to the young child entering a Montessori class. The child's entire focus is in doing activities by himself. There are materials to button, buckle, and lace so that he learns to care for himself. The classroom is truly his own to care for, with plants to be watered, and tables and chairs to be washed and moved at will. The children do not 'play house' because they have a real house to care for. Children acquire coordination and a longer attention span with the exercises of practical life.
The elementary classes extend practical life lessons to include caring for the earth and the environment and involvement with the community to learn to be caring individuals.
Sensorial Materials
Using sensorial materials children work with color, shape and sound, to isolate and highlight sense impressions, one sense at a time. This allows them to classify and sort the hundreds of impressions they have absorbed since birth. With this work, children develop keen perceptions which prepare them for reading and mathematics.
Language Arts
Language is an integral component of the entire Montessori curriculum, since all thoughts, ideas, and concepts can only be understood and clarified through oral and written communication.
In Montessori, classes language is presented in a context or body of information, rather than in isolation of other material. In both oral and written form, language is viewed primarily as a vehicle to communicate ideas and feelings, whose form alters with the purpose for which it is used.
Spanish
All PBMS students attend weekly Spanish classes. The preschool class includes Spanish songs, books, dance and dialogue. Kindergarten through sixth grade students progress through levels of Spanish vocabulary and conversation.
Mathematics
Montessori math materials have been specially designed to enable the student to discover and learn mathematical concepts in a concrete way. After the concepts been learned through the use of material, the student is able to easily understand abstract numerical concepts. Thus mathematical skill follow readily after 'hands on' experiences.
Science, History and Geography
These subjects are designed to give students knowledge about the development of the solar system, the earth and its configurations, life on earth, the needs of plants and animals, the development of man, early civilizations, and recorded history. Other related subjects are presented following the interests of the children.
The elementary classes include lab work to gain a deeper knowledge of the plant and animal world.
Art
Various media are used to aid the development of creative expressions and skills. There are a variety of techniques and media available
in the classroom. Art history and music appreciation are introduced to the students by a specialist in weekly classes.
Music
PBMS students in Kindergarten through grade six attend special music classes each week. Kindergarten age students practice singing and study beginning musical concepts. Grades one through six attend instrumental music classes progressing from the study of Orff musical instruments to recorder class. Children also have the option of flute classes with our instrumental music teacher. Music classes for all levels of students include music appreciation and music history.
Physical Education
Physical education is a integral part of the whole curriculum. Our Montessori environment provides for both the promotion and the refinement of movement. Each student is encouraged to develop athletic skills that maybe built later in life. Our emphasis is on the individual improving his own abilities and learning to be an effective team member.