Primary and Intermediate
Children, from the ages of 6 to 12, are in the sensitive period for Imagination. Imagination is the ability to relate the know to the unknown and is the basis of life. The child’s interest turns from the development of the individual to that of social and cultural development. Through the Montessori philosophy we seek to open the mind of the child. The Blake School’s program enables each child to discover true values through unbiased investigation and self-awareness. Education should not merely be to acquire knowledge, to gather and correlate facts, but to cultivate an integrated outlook on life.
Language Arts
Reading “Literacy is the essential tool of a liberal education, thus learning to read is a crucial aspect of learning to learn.” Reading begins with the decoding of graphic symbols and always involves a search for meaning. Comprehension is the goal of all reading.
Creative Writing
Creative writing provides the child with an opportunity to utilize his imagination and creative ability. Computer skills will be developed and/or reinforced through this academic process.
Mathematics
In the Montessori School, mathematics is introduced and is practiced with the utilization of concrete materials. The “rule” is to be the reaching point, not the starting point. The child will reach abstraction only when the mind is capable of doing it without the hand. The objective of the math program is not only to add, subtract, multiply and to divide numbers, but also to understand the meaning for such.
Science
The study of science stimulates and guides students in understanding the constantly changing and growing forces, processes, materials and living things that are in the worked around them. To observe and appreciate the relationship and interaction taking place in nature, the student will be exposed to the study of life, earth, chemical and physical science.
Social Studies
Social studies encompasses the study of history, geography and human society. Learning experiences are related to the social growth and development of the child, seeking to help them understand man’s relationship to the world he inhabits.
Handwriting
Handwriting is the development of refined eye-hand coordination and should be considered artistic ability. As a graphic representation of one’s self, the child is encouraged to take pride in the product resulting from this ability.