LOWER ELEMENTARY

AGES 6-9 | GRADES 1-3

CVMS offers three lower elementary classes, ensuring a maximum of twenty students per class but often fewer. In each class, there is one teacher accompanied by an assistant.

Similar to all our classrooms, our lower elementary level follows a multi-age class structure where teachers act as facilitators for personalized and self-paced learning. Students remain with the same teacher for three years, providing ample time to master the cognitive and social skills necessary for their transition to the upper elementary program.

FULL DAY

Daily hours: 8:30-2:00 pm

Our curriculum and classroom experience for this level are impeccably designed to meet both Montessori and New York State curriculum requirements. The content, as well as materials, are completely in sync with the child's developmental stage. Our classes offer the perfect blend of individual choice and structure. Our students enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and what they want to work on. Teachers provide direct instruction on new concepts, and manipulative materials are designed to encourage children to explore and understand ideas independently.

At this stage, children enter the "age of imagination" where they are captivated by stories and drama. Thus, our teachers present many of the lessons in story form with dramatic effects to make learning engaging and fun. Since our approach is individualized, our teachers are attentive to seizing the teachable moment with each child.

The curriculum for this level revolves around reading, writing, math concepts, science, researching, and gradually building abstract thinking. We commend experimentation and problem-solving. Our curriculum fosters the child's independence and social maturity. Music, Spanish language, physical education, and computer education are all encompassed in our method of developing skills, creativity, self-discipline, and a love for learning.

We ensure that all the assignments for this level are completed within the classroom premise, where the staff and classmates are always available to offer assistance to students. Younger children are expected to spend thirty minutes reading books at home, whereas older ones are expected to spend that time practicing silent reading. We also provide individualized spelling lists to work on at home.

We strive to provide our students with opportunities to learn and grow beyond the classroom by organizing field trips and special events throughout the year. Our major event for this level takes place in March: the Write Share project. During the month of February, students collaborate with a supportive adult to write and publish a book, which they then, share at a celebratory party. Every year, our students also showcase their musical abilities in a concert, which may include choral singing, acting, costumes, and playing Orff and hand percussion instruments.

Continuing the culture of serving others, our lower elementary students engage in community service projects both within their classroom and for those outside the school.

INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR LOWER ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

ERIN JONES

Lower Elementary Teacher

JEN WEST

Lower Elementary Teacher

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

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UPPER ELEMENTARY