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    <title>One Tree Montessori</title>
    <link>https://www.onetreemontessori.com</link>
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      <title>Montessori: The Best Choice for Children</title>
      <link>https://www.onetreemontessori.com/the-montessori-curriculum</link>
      <description>Discover how the Montessori curriculum in Namibia gives your child the best advantage! The key are hands-on, adaptive exercises that make sure learning is for life.</description>
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           Montessori Education in Namibia: Hands-On &amp;amp; Adaptive Learning for Life
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           Children are special. They have their whole lives ahead of them. Often, they surprise us with their curiosity, unfettered joy and deep love for people and the natural world. Given half a chance, they show us their natural desire to learn: never-ending questions about every possible topic in the world!
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           The Montessori Curriculum has been nurturing children's inherent love for learning since 1907 in more than 20,000 schools across the world. It's the biggest alternative education method for a reason: it works. But what makes Montessori education so special?
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           Key-Take Aways From This Article:
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            There are five key areas of the curriculum, integrated to allow for holistic, meaningful learning.
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            Lessons have special features that boost engagement, increase retention and work with the child's psychological development.
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            The curriculum is structured as an integrated spiral, revisiting topics in increasing depth throughout the years.
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           Traditional vs. Montessori Curriculum: What's the Difference?
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           To really understand a Montessori environment, you need to first throw out everything you think you know about learning and school. In a mainstream school, children of the same age learn the same thing at the same time. They either pass, or they fail. If they fail enough, they have to repeat the grade. It works, I suppose, but saying traditional education "works" is like saying horse carts work. They have their place, but why wouldn't you want the comfort, safety and convenience of a new car? Just because you grew up driving a horse cart?
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           5 Key Areas of the Montessori Curriculum
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           Traditional schooling has been built around "academic" subjects like languages and maths. Recently, social-emotional learning and soft skills have gotten more attention because an academics-only curriculum fails to prepare children for the fast-paced, demanding life of today.
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           However, in Montessori, these "soft skills" - independence, executive functioning, social awareness - aren't just an add-on. They are the foundation of 
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           all
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            learning and permeate all five areas of the curriculum.
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           This grouping of subjects into five key areas is not an arbitrary division someone came up with in a conference. Instead, they have developed out of years of educational practice and are a useful tool to understand the genius of the Montessori Method. 
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           Practical Life - The Skills You Wish You Learned at School
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           Practical Life activities are the first thing any child learns upon entering a Montessori school - no matter the age. They cover anything from "Where do I put my shoes?" to "How do I create a slide show?" 
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           These are skills that help the child orient themselves in their environment. They reflect cultural and social norms like different greetings and titles. From the youngest age, children are shown how to take care of themselves, look after their surroundings and interact with other people. In pre-primary, this may include dressing and undressing, washing dishes or tying knots. In the elementary classroom, children move on to organising outings, using technology wisely and learning advanced social skills.
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           Having movement-based tasks that are meaningful and make a noticeable difference in the child's life encourages them to engage with these activities repeatedly. It's the easiest way to build concentration, confidence, motor control and independence in all ages.
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           Sensorial - Refining Perception Through Isolation
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           The Sensorial Materials are one of the most iconic things about Montessori schools. They resemble common toys - building blocks, puzzles, memory games - but are in fact the foundation for today's toys, not derivatives.
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           Each sensorial activity is carefully designed according to specific principles. Pieces of a single exercise will differ in only one quality to draw the child's attention to these fine differences without being distracted by different shapes, colours or letters.
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           Each follow-on activity is just a little more complex, adding only one unfamiliar skill or quality to explore. This makes it easy for the child to learn and allows the educator to differentiate lessons quickly. While only the pre-primary has separate lessons for Sensorial Education, the principles of this area inform all the materials across the curriculum to ensure learning is near effortless.
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           Language - A Rich, Immersive Experience
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           Whatever language is taught (English and German in our school), Montessori materials and principles hold true. Skills like writing are broken down into components and isolated so learning is easy: there is a material to build words without having to use a pencil, an exercise to build pencil control and a third activity to learn letter shapes. These can be done independently, so a creative child wanting to write a letter can do so even if they don't know how to form the letters with a pencil yet.
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           Because of the self-contained environment, mixed-age grouping and integrated subjects, the day is filled with spontaneous, natural and topic-related discussions. Interactive grammar and spelling exercises build a deep understanding of the rules of language and help the child see the beauty in how words are formed and used. 
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           Mathematics - Scientifically Designed Learning Materials
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           After the Sensorial equipment, the mathematical lessons are most often shown as examples of the Montessori approach. They most closely resemble the sensorial principles of an isolated difficulty and single-step progression. As "materialised abstractions", they bring fuzzy concepts like "square roots" and "binomials" to life and make them physically touchable and explorable.
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           As in the other subjects, the Montessori educator presents (shows) how the material is used and then observes from the background while the child takes over and explores. This flipped approach is open-ended and discovery-based. Instead of being given a rule and a problem, with maybe some "learning materials" to solve it, children create the problems, explore different solutions and eventually formulate the rule themselves.
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           Cultural Subjects - A Different View of the World
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           The Montessori Method of education is an aid to life. It aims to unlock the children's potential - all of it, not just the parts that can read and calculate. In order to do this, all learning in Montessori schools is designed to foster understanding, independence and a love for the world.
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           And nothing does that better than the cultural subjects. In fact, Maths and Language are only tools to uncover and engage with the world, so it is understanding the world that is the prize!
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           In the pre-primary, the concrete and immediate environment is studied through the senses to give the child the language needed to talk about natural phenomenon. In the elementary, this knowledge is expanded through impressionistic stories that bring the universe into the classroom, so to speak. Geography, Biology, History and the Sciences are studied through a lens of interconnectedness - how does a natural feature influence humans, plants and animals and vice versa? We celebrate different cultures and explore history as a progression of human achievement.
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           The Not-So-Secret "Secret Features" of Montessori Lessons
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           The Montessori curriculum is a finely tuned synergy of many different parts. The materials, often shown as the main "ingredient", are quite useless if not implemented correctly. It requires a knowledgable teacher (a "guide", in Montessori terms) to connect the child with the materials in such a way as to spark joy and eagerness to work.
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           That being said, the materials (whether traditional or add-on) adhere to strict standards to be considered Montessori educational materials.
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            The Early Childhood Program:
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           Montessori Curriculum for Ages 3-6
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           The Montessori Early Childhood classroom emphasises motor skills, functional independence and hands-on learning experiences for children from three to six years.
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           Learning Outcomes for Montessori Pre-Primary
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           This list of learning outcomes is a simplified summary. It gives an overview of what children experience and work on during the three years they are in pre-primary. Families enrolled with One Tree Montessori Schools may book an appointment to look through the full curriculum documents at the office.
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           Practical Life
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           Children learn to participate in daily classroom life with joy and curiosity. They build confidence, actively take part in lessons and build effective social skills (like asking for help, cooperative problem-solving and managing their emotions. Managing transitions confidently, they also learn to choose their own work, persevere when it gets challenging and be flexible when they have to wait or shift their plans.
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           Practical Life materials and Grace &amp;amp; Courtesy lessons build fine and gross motor control so children can handle equipment and tools safely and move appropriately in the classroom. They participate in self-care and maintaining their environment by regulating their physical activity (like eating), cleaning up and getting dressed themselves. Children also learn to use tools for arts and crafts as well as appreciate the art work of others.
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           Sensorial
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           Senses &amp;amp; Geometry
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           Children learn to order, pair, compare and discuss everything they perceive through their senses of touch, sight, hearing and muscle memory. They safely explore the senses of taste and smell and are introduced to geometrical concepts through a hands-on approach of shapes and solids.
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           Geography
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           Aspects of Geography (also included in the cultural subjects) are introduced "sensorially", i.e. through the senses. Children explore land, water and air formations including the oceans, continents, and weather. They also learn about countries and their flags.
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           Language
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           Medium of Instruction
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           At One Tree Montessori, English is the medium of instruction and German is offered on a first- and foreign language level. In the pre-primary, German is taught through an immersive approach to learning, where volunteers trained in-house engage the children in German as if it was their mother tongue. This develops a natural fluency. The outcomes below are the same for both languages, although multilingual children will mix up the languages and express themselves simpler in the second language. This is completely natural and normal.
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           Listening &amp;amp; Speaking
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           Children listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations, asking questions to clarify or gain information. 
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           Writing &amp;amp; Composition
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            They develop foundational writing skills for
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           , which include understanding letter-sound correspondence, constructing words and phrases and effective pencil control). Experimenting with composition, they dictate, write or draw a variety of texts, show awareness of punctuation and capitalisation rules and begin adding details to their texts.
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           Reading &amp;amp; Comprehension
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           Children decode written words using letter-sound correspondence for single letters and digraphs (like sh in fish), build fluency in reading words and understand basic features of print. They read or listen to grade-level texts with purpose, asking and answering questions about text elements.
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           Grammar &amp;amp; Word Study
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           Learning about the parts of speech, they understand that different words do different things and explore patterns across words (like affixes and roots) they know.
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           Mathematics
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           Through the maths lessons, children learn to explain their thinking, use models or tools to show reasoning and identify patterns that exist within the materials.
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           Numeracy
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           They demonstrate understanding of counting, 1-to-1 correspondence and number symbols for the range 1 to 1,000 using the Montessori materials, recognise place value of units, tens, hundreds and thousands and know that 0 is merely a placeholder.
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           Operations
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           Children practice performing all four operations (addition, multiplication, subtraction and division) with the Montessori materials, using them also to explore essential combinations of maths facts. There is evidence of them moving to more abstract methods over time.
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           Fractions &amp;amp; Money
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           Children demonstrate understanding of the language and concept of fractions and begin using the materials to perform all four operations with fractions. They also identify and name Namibian coins and notes, counting coins up to $1.00.
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           Cultural Subjects (Science &amp;amp; Social Studies)
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           Geography &amp;amp; History
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           Children explore concepts of land, water and air, including continents, oceans and the weather. They explore globes and maps and study countries and their flags. Demonstrating an understanding of past, present and future, they retell and order events chronologically and have an awareness of ways to measure time.
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           Biology &amp;amp; Science
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           Children study the living environment around them, differentiating living and non-living, plants and animals as well as vertebrates and invertebrates. Children identify the parts and needs of plants and animals, demonstrating understanding that they need different habitats to survive. They further explore physical phenomena and can sort objects into magnetic/non-magnetic, sink/float or translucent/opaque. They also explore pushing and pulling and describe the speed and direction of a movement.
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            ﻿
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           Arts, Civics &amp;amp; Economics
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           Children are exposed to a variety of art works, exploring them sensorially and becoming aware of different styles, compositions, subjects and themes. They demonstrate understanding of civics and economics by identifying leadership, participating in problem-solving and explaining what money is and how it is used.
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           The Elementary Classroom: Montessori Learning Outcomes for Grades 1 - 7
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           The Montessori elementary curriculum is designed for the age groups 6-9 and 9-12, extending to grade 7 here in Namibia. It fosters respect for others and independence in children, teaching them writing and reading in order to explore the world.
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           Standards for the Junior &amp;amp; Senior Primary Montessori Classroom
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           This list of learning outcomes is a simplified summary. It gives an overview of what children experience and work on during the years they are in each phase. Families enrolled with One Tree Montessori Schools may book an appointment to look through the full curriculum documents at the office.
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           Practical Life
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           Children learn to take responsibility for the wellbeing of the group, how to problem-solve collaboratively and recover from disappointment. In the lower elementary (junior primary), they focus on building foundational group skills. In the upper elementary, they expand these skills into leadership, accepting multiple perspectives and tolerating ambiguity.
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            ﻿
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           Children in both phases actively shape their learning journey, planning and evaluating their work, setting goals and learning to persist in the face of challenge and longer projects. They work towards mastery rather than adult approval, participate in the maintenance of the classroom, organise outings and learn advanced practical skills as made possible by real-life needs and opportunities.
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           Mathematics
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           Children solve problems with increasing complexity and abstraction in this curriculum area, communicating their thoughts and reasoning through words, models and charts. They look for and identify patterns in the materials and the world around them.
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            ﻿
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           Numeracy
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           Children consolidate their numeracy skills in lower elementary, demonstrating understanding of counting, place value, odd/even and comparing numbers of the decimal system from one to one million. They read and write numbers in various forms and round them to the nearest 10, 100 or 1,000. In upper elementary, they demonstrate a deeper understanding of the same concepts and can show that a digit in one place is 10 times more or 10 times less than the one next to it.
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           Operations
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           Children talk about addition, multiplication, subtraction and division using the correct and specific vocabulary. In lower elementary, they perform all whole-number operations and solve word problems using the materials to their full capacity and move towards abstraction. In upper elementary, they do so completely in the abstract.
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           Memorisation &amp;amp; Patterns
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           Children in the lower elementary work on memorising all math facts up to 12 and learn to apply properties of addition and multiplication to identify patterns and solve problems. In upper elementary, they demonstrate proficiency, fluency and accuracy in the math facts and use the properties of addition and multiplication to generate equivalent expressions.
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           Multiples &amp;amp; Factors
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           In lower elementary, children learn to use the relevant vocabulary for multiples and factors. In upper elementary, they demonstrate understanding of multiples, factors and divisibility including prime numbers.
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           Fractions &amp;amp; Decimals
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           Children demonstrate understanding of real, improper and mixed fractions and equivalence, sensorially performing all four operations with the materials in lower elementary. In upper elementary, they move towards abstraction, including unlike fractions in the operations. They also demonstrate understand of decimals by writing, reading and performing all four operations with them.
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           Algebra
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           Children in lower elementary demonstrate understanding of the concept and notation of squares and cubes using the materials. In upper elementary, they expand this to include square and cube roots, exponents, signed numbers and algebraic expressions.
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           Ratio &amp;amp; Percent
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           Children in upper elementary demonstrate understanding of the concept of ratio, percent and proportions.
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           Measurement &amp;amp; Data
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           Children collect and organise data, representing it with a variety of graphs they also interpret. In upper elementary, they learn to describe distributions and begin to understand statistical variability.
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           In lower elementary, children measure length, capacity and mass in standard units, work with time to the nearest five minutes, use money and solve problems for all of these. In upper elementary, they learn to understand relative sizes of units within a system, convert between units within a system and solve problems for all of these.
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           Geometry
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           Children in lower elementary identify and compose a variety of 2D and 3D shapes, can name and draw different lines and angles and learn about congruency. They understand the concept and finding of area and perimeter, can measure angles and use a variety of tools to construct shapes.
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            ﻿
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           In upper elementary, children classify shapes on their attributes, lines and angles. They further understand the concepts of volume and surface area and can deduce and use the formulas for area, volume and surface area. They construct a variety of shapes, demonstrate an understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem using materials and accurately use four-place coordinate systems.
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           Language
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           These curriculum outcomes are based on a first-language development, but the Montessori lessons and materials are equally applicable to foreign language learners. This is due to their interactivity, differentiation capabilities and inherent error control – making learning a language (whether first or foreign) easy and engaging.
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           It is important to note that usually, foreign language learners move through the language curriculum at a slower pace with more time for vocabulary building and revision, especially for students with no previous experience in German. Indeed, for such children, the lower elementary phase focuses exclusively on developing receptive language (understanding, listening and word recognition), building vocabulary and phonemic skills (letter-sound association, rhymes, blending and segmenting, syllabication, etc.).
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           As always, the curriculum is adaptive and tailored to each child’s needs and abilities.
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           Foundations &amp;amp; Spoken Language
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           In lower elementary, children demonstrate understanding of a variety of strategies when decoding words and develop fluency, expression and accuracy while reading. They engage in collaborative discussions, prepare a variety of presentations with different media and work on their presenter skills. 
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           In upper elementary, children further use combined knowledge of phonics and word-analysis skills to read longer, unfamiliar words even if out of context. Their collaborative discussions increase in depth and range, focusing on different perspectives and citing evidence for opinions. They prepare advanced presentations with different media and tailor them to the purpose and audience.
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           Writing &amp;amp; Composition
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           Children in both phases demonstrate knowledge of spelling, punctuation, sentence building and paragraphs when writing in a variety of contexts. While lower elementary students being using technology to compose texts, upper elementary students demonstrate proficient keyboarding skills to publish and collaborate using technology.
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           In lower elementary, children produce writing for a task and purpose. They plan, revise and edit. In upper elementary, children produce increasingly coherent writing structured for a task, purpose and audience. They rewrite drafts and try new approaches with support. In both phases, children explore writing different genres in increasing complexity.
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           Reading &amp;amp; Comprehension
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           Children in both phases evaluate and analyse grade-level texts in increasing depth. In lower elementary, word study focuses on affixes and compound words, as well as homographs, antonyms and synonyms as a vocabulary building exercise. In upper elementary, these skills are used to determine the meaning and spelling of unfamiliar words.
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           Children in both phases further work to use rich and suitable vocabulary aided by a range of reference materials. In lower elementary, children explore grammar and the parts of speech sensorially, identifying, conjugating and using them correctly in writing and speaking. In upper elementary, children also classify the parts of speech.
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           Children in lower elementary analyse simple sentences and identify the functions of all parts, using them to build new sentences. In upper elementary, they analyse compound and complex sentences, writing sentences which include clauses.
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           Sciences (Biology &amp;amp; Physics)
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           Botany &amp;amp; Zoology
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           Children in both phases study the timeline, evolution and extinction of life across earth's history. In lower elementary, Botany and Zoology focus on simple parts and needs of plants and animals and how they help the organisms survive and grow. In upper elementary, children demonstrate an understanding of the internal and external parts and how they help with survival, behaviour, growth and reproduction in different habitats. They classify organisms according to external features first, and later according to shared ancestry using the tree of life system.
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           The Human Body
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           Children in lower elementary demonstrate an understanding of the different body parts and their functions, while children in upper elementary identify internal and external structures and how they help with survival, behaviour, growth and reproduction. This includes health &amp;amp; diseases, sex education, drug abuse and other important information.
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           Ecology &amp;amp; Evolution
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           Children in upper elementary demonstrate understanding of healthy ecosystems, adaptations and evolution.
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           Matter &amp;amp; Laws, Light &amp;amp; Sound
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           Children in lower elementary demonstrate understanding that matter exists in different states and is impacted by temperature, as well as a basic understanding of sound and light properties. Children in upper elementary expand their understanding to include atoms and chemical reactions, as well as how waves work and are used to transmit information.
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           Children in lower elementary begin to understand that there are different types of forces and how they impact things, and that energy is needed for life. Upper elementary children start measuring forces and their impact, describe energy conversions and apply their knowledge of light, sound, heat and electricity to transferring energy.
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           History
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           Children in lower elementary study natural history and human life on Earth with a focus on shared fundamental needs and the impact of weather, climate and other natural phenomena. In upper elementary, they demonstrate understanding of how certain characteristics influence population distribution and movement. Both phases utilise and create timelines and historical sources to learn about and show events.
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           Children in lower elementary explore concepts of trade and demonstrate understanding that a complex network of people and tasks is required for communities. They learn about the origins of the names of the days and months and why people measure time the way we do.
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           Children in upper elementary demonstrate understanding of local, regional and global patterns in trades and economics, the impact of migrations and globalisation and the daily changes in lights and shadows caused by the rotation and revolution of the Earth.
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           Both phases use and draw maps in increasing complexity and variety, understand the concept of citizenship and explore how local, regional, national and global communities, governments and organisations shape people's lives.
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      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:25:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.onetreemontessori.com/the-montessori-curriculum</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">curriculum</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>What is Freedom Within Limits?</title>
      <link>https://www.onetreemontessori.com/blog/what-is-freedom-within-limits</link>
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           “To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control
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           is to betray the idea of freedom.”   -Maria Montessori
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           Why Freedom is Not Anarchy
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           One of the more common misconceptions about Montessori education is that we let the children run free to do what they please all the time. It is true that we let our students make choices for themselves, but those choices are made within carefully crafted parameters. To give a child choice is to give them empowerment. To give them choice within boundaries will assist them in becoming the adult they are meant to be.
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           Why give choice?
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           When we give children the ability to make their own choices, we are letting them know we trust their decisions. If children know the adults in their lives trust them, they will begin to trust themselves. When a person has confidence in their own abilities, their thoughts and energy can be put into new ideas and making progress.
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           Decision making is a skill that must be learned just like anything else. From the most basic everyday tasks to major life events, we all need to make choices in our lives. When we create an environment that allows children to practice this skill and be successful, they are given an opportunity to become successful as they grow older.
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           Giving choice is also a means of showing respect. We respect that children should have a say in what they want. While as adults our role is to keep children safe and guide them, we do not have all the answers nor do we understand what is always best for each child. Giving kids a say shows them that we honour their autonomy.
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           Why place limitations?
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           While we believe it’s important to give children choices, too many choices can feel overwhelming and  counter-productive. Placing some limitations keeps their decision-making process safe and manageable. Children actually want us to define limits for them as boundaries give them a sense of structure that is critical for their development.
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           Another benefit of placing limitations on choices is that we can create a scenario in which any choice made will achieve the desired results. If we want children to practice a specific skill, we can give two or three options that will allow them to do so. If we want them to complete a certain task or meet a goal, we can envision different paths that will lead to the same destination and let them decide which they would like to take.
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           What does this look like in the classroom?
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           When it comes to academic work, Montessori children get to make choices about which work they will focus on, where they sit, who they sit with, and in what order they do things. They move about their mornings with a sense of purpose, because they get to call the shots regarding their own education. In a structure like this, school doesn’t feel so much like a place where you go to receive knowledge that’s being given to you; it’s a place where you go to explore, learn authentically, and immerse yourself in work that’s important to you.
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           With all those choices, it’s important for teachers to create an environment that sets kids up for success. Montessori guides only give children lessons on materials they are ready for. They only put materials on the shelves that the children as a group are ready for. The materials they do put out are so beautiful and interesting that the children cannot help but want to choose them.
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            Even when it comes to taking care of themselves, we want children to be in charge. We create structures that allow them to eat when they are hungry, use the restroom when they feel the need, and to rest or move their bodies as they see fit. Most Montessori classrooms have a snack table that children can sit at whenever there is a seat available (limiting this to two chairs is one way guides make snack socialising manageable).
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           Children don’t need to ask permission to use the restroom; we make sure they have access to a toilet that they can use at any time. The furniture in our classrooms are arranged in such a way so as to encourage safe avenues to body movement, individual seating, group seating, floor seating, or table and chair options. As adults we need variation and choice to be productive and we recognise that children do as well.
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           Our job as Montessori educators is to create the conditions for children to independently make decisions that will help them grow and develop. We want them to explore who they are, to learn about each other, and to gain basic academic skills. We want to cultivate inquisitiveness, leadership skills, and a sense of humble independence. All of these goals can be met through careful planning of a classroom environment that facilitates choice within limits.
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           What might this look like in the home?
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           It can help to observe in your child’s classroom to get ideas. If you are just getting started with offering choice at home, it can help to focus on just a few areas in the beginning. Food, clothing, and entertainment are good places to start.
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           While we do not advocate making separate meals for everyone in your home (this can quickly lead to picky eating habits), kids can have some say in mealtime choices. Find ways you are willing to be a little flexible and ask their opinion. Perhaps they can choose some fruits or vegetables at the grocery store, or help decide what gets packed into their lunches. If you have several dinners planned for the week, your child could help decide which one to have on a particular night and then help you prepare it. When it comes time to eat, let your child practice serving themselves, while reminding them about the importance of not wasting food and only taking as much as we expect to eat.
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            Getting dressed for the day is great time to practice decision making. This tends to be one area that requires the most intentional release of control from us as parents, as young children tend to have quite the eccentric tastes when it comes to personal style!
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            Keeping weather and activities of the day in mind, set some guidelines and let your child pick out their own clothes. Some Montessori experts recommend only putting desirable options in the child’s drawers. If this isn’t feasible, even young children can follow simple directions such as, “Please choose something with short sleeves and long pants.”
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           Expect combinations you would never choose for yourself and remember that this is an important step in their development and self-expression. How we dress is one way we present ourselves to the world and letting your child make these choices tells them you trust that they know who they are.
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            When it comes to having fun, children love to give input. If you read stories at bedtime, your child could select whatever number of books you decide, or they could choose from a pre-selected few that you give them. If you let your child watch television, give them a pool of shows that you feel are appropriate to choose from.
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           If you want to get them outside, ask them if they would rather go to the playground or ride their bike. The key is to consider your true objective, then present multiple ways to achieve that goal.
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           To Be Free...
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           Ultimately, each family must decide how much freedom they're comfortable with. In a Montessori school, freedom is only limited by the safety and wellbeing of the child themselves, their peers and their environment.
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           In such a setting, children grow up to be confident, intuitive and independent - ready for the world!
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      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2022 14:23:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>183:867609338 (Laura Callard)</author>
      <guid>https://www.onetreemontessori.com/blog/what-is-freedom-within-limits</guid>
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