What is Montessori elementary?
Montessori elementary is the 6–12 level. Children work in mixed-age groups, often in collaborative projects, guided by 'cosmic education' and the Great Stories that link science, history, geography and language. Materials move towards abstraction, and children research, write and present.
What this means in practice
Elementary teacher training is separate from 3–6 training.
Features
- Great Stories
- Research projects
- Advanced maths materials
- Grammar boxes
- Going out into the community
Differences from 3–6
More group work, more abstract thinking, more questions of 'why'.
Practical next steps
- Learn about the Great Stories.
- Observe an elementary class.
- Consider specialist training.
- Read about the second plane.
ExampleNine-year-olds research the history of writing after hearing the Great Story.
What to keep in mind
APTTI's courses focus on 3–6.
Common follow-up questions
Is elementary for primary school?
Yes, ages 6–12.
Is training separate?
Yes.
Sources
Examples are educational illustrations with made-up names. How these answers are prepared.