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The Bridge Between Wonder and Wisdom

Our Lower Elementary program nurtures independence, imagination, and academic depth for ages 6–9 in a purposefully prepared Montessori environment.
Seniors Centre

Lower Elementary Programme

Where Curiosity Expands and Confidence Grows in Milton’s Lower Elementary Montessori Programme

The Lower Elementary program at Silver Maple Montessori is designed for children ages 6–9, building on the foundational independence and curiosity established in earlier years. In this phase, children are entering a stage of profound reasoning and imagination. Our thoughtfully prepared environment nurtures critical thinking, collaborative learning, and self-direction, all while maintaining a joyful atmosphere for discovery. Children begin to connect academic concepts with the world around them—exploring ideas, making connections, and developing a love for lifelong learning.

Our Lower Elementary Curriculum is Designed to Empower the Next Generation

Language Arts

Reading, Writing & Expression

Language development in Lower Elementary spans reading fluency, creative and expository writing, grammar, and research. Students engage in literature studies that foster deep comprehension and vocabulary growth. You’ll often see children writing stories or reports, exploring vocabulary with word study materials, and participating in small-group reading discussions. Whether curled up in a quiet reading corner or using grammar symbols to analyze sentences, students are immersed in language every day.

Mathematics

Concrete Foundations to Abstraction

The math curriculum deepens understanding of place value, operations, fractions, and early decimals. Students use hands-on materials like bead chains, stamp games, or the checkerboard for multiplication and the test tube division set for long division. You might observe children transitioning from these concrete tools to solving problems with paper and pencil, or collaborating with peers to tackle logic puzzles and real-world math applications.

Geometry

Shapes, Angles & Spatial Reasoning

Children explore angles, polygons, triangles, and congruency through tactile materials such as geometric sticks and metal insets. These materials help students construct and measure shapes, identify properties, and internalize spatial relationships. You’ll often see students sorting shapes, tracing geometric forms, and labeling them in beautifully kept geometry notebooks.

Cultural Studies

History, Geography & Social Awareness

Cultural exploration begins with the Five Great Lessons—captivating stories that spark curiosity about the universe, life, and civilization. Children dive into early human history, physical and political geography, and the fundamental needs of humans. Activities include building landforms in clay, mapping continents, and creating personalized timelines or history booklets. Independent research projects are encouraged, and children often present findings to classmates.

Science & Biology

Observation, Discovery & Experimentation

Students explore zoology, botany, earth science, and foundational chemistry and physics through observation and hands-on experiments. You might see children sketching plants, mixing solutions, or classifying vertebrates and invertebrates using charts. Lessons are often paired with real specimens or nature-based materials, fostering curiosity and scientific thinking.

Practical Life & Executive Functioning

Planning, Responsibility & Self-Management

Students are introduced to time management, long-term planning, and maintaining shared spaces. Children keep work journals or checklists, independently gather supplies, and collaborate on classroom projects. These experiences strengthen executive functioning skills and build responsibility, both personal and communal.

Grace, Courtesy & Social-Emotional Learning

Respect, Empathy & Community

Community is more than a word—it’s a lived experience in every corner of the Lower Elementary classroom. Through purposeful communication, shared responsibilities, and daily social interactions, children learn what it means to belong, contribute, and lead with kindness.

Social-emotional learning is woven into daily life. Students practice communication, conflict resolution, and empathy through group discussions and leadership roles. From respectfully solving conflicts at the peace table to helping younger peers or greeting visitors, students develop confidence and a strong sense of community.

Arts, Music & Creativity

Expression Through Multiple Mediums

Creative pursuits flourish in Lower Elementary. Art, music, drama, and movement are integrated into academic and cultural studies. Children illustrate reports, make dioramas, and role-play historical events. You’ll also find students exploring rhythm, cultural music, and storytelling through art, sound, and movement.

Technology Studies

Purposeful Digital Exploration

Technology is used intentionally and sparingly. Children learn keyboarding, coding basics, and safe digital research practices. Students use devices to create multimedia presentations or conduct research, while also being taught digital citizenship. Technology complements, rather than replaces, hands-on learning.

Physical Education & Outdoor Learning

Movement, Nature & Teamwork

Daily outdoor time includes team games, gross motor skill development, and nature exploration. From organized sports to gardening projects, children build physical confidence and deepen their appreciation of the natural world through active engagement.

Community

From Classmates to Community Builders

At this age, children are eager to connect, collaborate, and contribute. Whether organizing classroom events, working on group research projects, or supporting a friend through a tough moment, our students learn that community is built through action. These early experiences in cooperation, empathy, and leadership lay the foundation for engaged, compassionate citizens.

Transparent Progress Tracking

Real-Time Visibility into Learning

At Silver Maple Montessori, families stay informed through Transparent Classroom, an intuitive platform that documents individual progress. Teachers log lessons and observations in real time, creating a clear picture of academic, social, and developmental growth.

Parents can:

View photos and descriptions of work completed

Track progress in key subject areas and Montessori strands

Receive updates about upcoming lessons or goals

This visibility strengthens the parent-school partnership and allows for more meaningful conversations at home. With Transparent Classroom, learning becomes a shared experience.

Confident and Capable original
Beyond School Hours

Nutrition

Fueling Minds and Bodies

Our in-house kitchen prepares nutritious, child-friendly meals each day. We prioritize whole foods, balanced portions, and dietary accommodations for allergies or sensitivities. Lunch and snacks are served in a calm setting where children practice independence and table etiquette.

Mealtime is part of our learning environment—students take turns helping with set-up and clean-up, further developing responsibility and community spirit.

After School Care

Peace of Mind Beyond the School Day

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Our After-School Care program extends the Montessori experience into the late afternoon. Designed for working families, it offers a mix of structured enrichment, quiet time, outdoor play, and creative exploration. Whether it’s building with friends or enjoying a story, children unwind in a warm, familiar environment.

Book a Tour

See Learning in Action

Curious about what Lower Elementary looks like in action? See how our Lower Elementary students work independently and together—sharing discoveries, supporting classmates, and playing an active role in their learning community.

Walk through the classroom, meet our passionate educators, and experience how the Montessori approach evolves as children grow.