Programs

Our programs are based on Dr. Montessori's view that children go through a series of "sensitive periods" with "creative moments" when they show spontaneous interest in learning. It is then that we have the greatest ability to learn, and these periods should be utilized to the fullest so that children learn as much as possible. Our programs provide environments in which this can happen developmentally in three-year multi-age groups with the same certified Montessori teacher and assistant. Self-discipline and the reward one feels when working, naturally take place through the independence of learning. Each program provides stimulating learning experiences that start with concrete principles and move naturally to abstract. This can best be described by the progression of the single gold bead to the ten-bar to the hundred-square to the thousand-cube of which our children use so much during their Montessori education.

Children's House (Preschool - Kindergarten)

Children's House offers children age 3 through 5 a "prepared environment" which provides an atmosphere for learning geared toward the child's individual needs.  Our teachers continually observe each child to assess how best to meet his or her needs. The function of the teacher is to provide didactic materials, such as counting beads, letter and word tiles, and geometric puzzles, and act as an adviser and guide. 
A child's insistent words, "I want to do it myself," stems from the child's need to develop his own body and mind. Montessori education begins with hands-on daily activities to which children are naturally drawn. These activities build skills for independence.  Coordination and concentration develop through a child's own pace and choice of repetition.  Organization skills develop through the sequential and orderly process of using Montessori materials. Through this individual process, the child develops the learning skills necessary for more complex mental processes and enthusiastically approaches challenges and problem-solving with confidence.
Three years in Children's House, which includes Kindergarten, prepares your child for entering our Lower Elementary program.
We offer Children's House programs at both campuses.  Our Auburn campus offers a three afternoon program for three year olds and five morning programs for four and five year olds.  Our Shrewsbury campus offers a five morning program for three year olds, and five full-day program for four and five year olds. All preschool programs are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Elementary (First - Sixth Year)

Shrewsbury Montessori School offers an exceptional Montessori curriculum grouping 6 to 9 year olds in a lower elementary program and 10 to 12 year olds in an upper elementary program. The Lower elementary program is one that recognizes and respects the mind of a child who is developing very quickly. In the Children’s House the child is satisfied to possess physical independence, but at the 6 to 9 age level, the child now strives for intellectual independence. It is a period of insatiable curiosity as well as a strong enthusiasm for learning. Children in this age group (ages 6 to 9) are beginning to realize that the world is a large fascinating place. Teachers prepare the classroom carefully to demonstrate this. Great literature, scientific and mathematical concepts, continents and cultures are areas the children study. Therefore, the world becomes their classroom.
Maria Montessori described the 6 to 9 year old classroom like so: “The elementary child has reached a new level of development. Before he was interested in things: working with his hands, learning their names. Now he is interested mainly in the how and why…the problem of cause and effect.” Thus, it is the job of the elementary teacher to supply the child with the materials and knowledge to discover the wonders of the universe. This environment continues and becomes more challenging and complex in our upper elementary program for the 10 to 12 age level.
The elementary curriculum is meticulously created to guide the child through identifying, classifying, and researching all concepts in each field of study. Practical life, language, math, geometry, botany, zoology, geography and history are all areas represented in the classroom. Each material naturally leads the child from the concrete to the abstract. The elementary programs are enriched through studies in art, music, computer, French and Sixth Year Latin.
The Montessori elementary classroom is a warm, stimulating community where children feel comfortable to explore. It is a multi-age room with highly trained teachers and materials that welcome research and exploration. Shrewsbury Montessori School offers an abundant academic curriculum designed to allow teachers to work one on one, in groups with their students and for children to learn from one another.

Art

Creativity and opportunities to express oneself through art are offered through our pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten teachers for students age 3 through 5.
A specialty art program at our school offers instruction to students in first through sixth years of our elementary program. Lessons are planned to be developmentally appropriate and supportive of the regular classroom studies and special activities and interests of the staff and students.  Students are introduced to a variety of flat and three dimensional materials as well as works of art and artists from various times and cultures. Art classes are nurturing and supportive of each student's willingness to take on the challenge of creating meaning from the simplest materials, and thereby foster creative and mental growth.

Music

The music class at our school is a seamless musical experience, integrating group song, solo singing, creative music play, dance, and music literacy.  A positive atmosphere creates a safe-haven and encourages risk-taking, exploring vocal expression, musical interpretation and creative movement.  By the time students reach grade 6, they are well prepared to take on our Upper Elementary Musical.
Pre-Kindergarten receives a 30 minute session each week including:

• Group and echo singing in a key that encourages head tones and healthy vocal practice

• Musical games and party play

• Feeling basic beat through body motion and playing rhythm instruments

Kindergarten receives an additional 30 minutes each week dedicated to beginning notation of rhythm.

Lower Elementary receives a 60 minute session each week including:

• Focus on good singing using appropriate folk material and vocal warm-ups

• Beginning 2 part signing in rounds and partner songs.

• Continued rhythm and beat development through Orff instrument playing, musical games and folk dance

• Learning movable Do system to develop the ear and use as a tool for music literacy

Upper Elementary receives 90 minutes per week including:

• Developing the singing voice through vocal warm-ups and activities

• Choral music that encourages an understanding of different art styles and cultures

• Performing concerts to the community

• Solfege analysis of folk songs and sight singing

• Rhythm and solfege dictation

• Continuation of Orff instrument playing used in more complex accompaniments and with choral songs

• Folk dance and musical games

• Units on composers and their works

• Preparing and producing a fully staged musical, presented to the school and the community

Recorder Club: Offered to students in grades 2 through 6

Language (French & Latin)

The French program at SMS is geared towards oral expression.  The goal is to be fearless in attempting to speak a world language not your own, and therefore to be open to new experiences, friendships, and international dialogue.
The Lower Elementary curriculum centers around "getting to know you" questions and answers, animals, and everyday words and expressions.  The Upper Elementary curriculum includes a simulated "Trip to Paris", and a performance of two plays entirely in French, one of which is written, with guidance, by the students.
Sixth Year students begin the study of Latin, using the text The Phenomenon of Language.  Other world languages, including Esperanto, are introduced during the course of the year, as determined by the interests of the students.

Technology

Beginning in the 1st year of our Elementary Program, students work to become proficient in the use of computers, keyboarding/typing, and various Windows-based software applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Publisher. Students have supervised access to the Internet and a school-wide network for research, problem-solving, and communication to supplement traditional Montessori classroom learning. Additional technology, including printers, scanners, digital cameras, video cameras, and portable storage devices, are also used throughout the year for individual and classroom projects.

Gym/Swim

Both Auburn and Shrewsbury Campuses are equipped with age appropriate high-quality playground and athletic equipment.  Children in all of our programs are outside each day at different intervals.
In addition, students in our Lower and Elementary programs participate in a 45-minute gym and 45-minute swim program at the Worcester YWCA on alternating weeks throughout the year.

Shrewsbury Montessori School 55 Oak Street Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545 Phone: (508)842-2116  Fax: (508)845-2491

Copyright © 2008

Montessori Children's House of Auburn 235 Bryn Mawr Avenue Auburn, Massachusetts 01501 Phone: (508)832-9262