Elementary

Language Arts

The Language curriculum follows a definite order beginning with concrete materials, gradually moving towards the ultimate goal of abstraction.  The Language curriculum is divided into different areas of study: word study, capitalization /punctuation, grammar, dictionary usage, sentence analysis and spelling.  In each category, the child is presented lessons in a small group and is then given the opportunity to explore and discover independently.

Reading/Writing

Children are submerged in reading on a daily basis through independent study as well as group settings.  The children build their reading skills through a phonetic-based program.  Reading comprehension is built through many different avenues of work. Each child is challenged on his/her own level with the lessons presented, as he/she is ready.

The children also participate in the Junior Great Books program on a weekly basis.  This program introduces children to quality pieces of literature from all genres.  The children work with one piece of literature per week. They are led through group-discussion sessions where divergent questions are explored and debated. This helps to build higher-level thinking skills as well as problem solving skills.  Throughout the week, the child participates in a number of different activities related to the story of focus for that particular week.  The activities vary depending on the selected piece of literature.

Writing skills are encouraged through daily journal writing.  This time allows the child to write creatively, striking his/her imagination. In addition, numerous writing concepts are explored and practiced through different lessons throughout the year.

The third, fourth and fifth level children participate in an additional creative writing course.  Instruction centers on the different types of writing, prewriting and planning, and elaboration techniques essential to powerful writing.  Small group instruction is followed by independent practice in the classroom.

Math

The Math curriculum follows a sequential order in a number of different areas of study.  The children receive lessons in mathematical operations and basic facts of addition, multiplication, subtraction and division, fractions, time, money, and measurement, as well as many other areas that challenge each child to reach his/her full potential.  Each concept is first introduced using concrete materials.  As the child progresses, he/she gradually works towards abstraction. In addition to mathematical concepts, the child is also presented lessons exploring the different concepts of Geometry.

Cultural Areas

Cultural lessons are presented throughout the year in the areas of Zoology, Botany, Geography and History.  Each lesson is aimed to encourage higher-level thinking skills and spark the child’s inner desire to research and discover.  In addition, a separate Science program is implemented weekly.  The children are introduced to numerous Science concepts in the areas of Life Science, Earth Science, etc.  These concepts are explored in a tangible, hands-on approach through different experiments and activities.

The fourth-level students are introduced to Texas History.  These studies are focused on the different regions of Texas, Native Americans, explorers, and statehood, as well as many more areas of study.  The students learn and research in small groups as well as individual settings.  The fifth-level students are introduced to United State History.  These studies are focused on the different regions of the United Sates, basic concepts of our government and Constitution, as well as the history of our country.

Physical Education

The children participate in Physical Education twice a week for forty-five minutes per session in our spacious half court gymnasium or outside on our expansive, well equipped fenced playground.

FMA’s P.E. program is designed to encourage children to become accustomed to an active lifestyle while improving mental and physical strengths.

The children also learn to develop self-confidence and leadership skills in a fun and educational way through participation in a variety of activities throughout the school year. The following activities covered include Olympic style track and field events, fitness exercises, soccer, hand-eye coordination and locomotion drills, basketball and volleyball. Dance and aerobics, T-ball and baseball, team building, and field-day contests are also a part of our exemplary fitness education program.

Frisco Montessori Academy’s Elementary Curriculum also includes Spanish, Music/Drama, Art, Computer and Nature Study as described in the Supplemental Curriculum section.

Stanford Achievment Test

In May of each year, FMA’s third, fourth and fifth graders are required to take the Stanford Achievement Test. The Stanford Test is a highly reliable and valid measure of a student’s achievement in reading, mathematics and language.

Field Trips

Our Lower and Upper Elementary children take part in two Field trips during the year such as plays, concerts or ballet, The Heard Museum, The Heritage Farmstead, Dallas Museum of Art. They are also visited by special groups such as The Dallas Museum of Natural History, Texas Living History Association, etc.

Camp

In the spring FMA’s Upper Elementary students visit Sky Ranch for a three-day, two-night camp. Sky Ranch is an outdoor education program designed specifically for schools. Students have an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities that further develop their awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the outdoor environment. The students take party in different class studies such as Challenger, Orienteering, Aquatic Study, Forest Study, etc. In addition to these amazing outdoor education courses, the children still have plenty of time to enjoy the thrill of the waterslides, recreation time and games, sing songs and perform skits around the campfire, visit the corner store and soda shop.

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Frisco Montessori Academy, 2008