Early Childhood/Elementary Montessori Program

Early Childhood Program
The Early Childhood Program is for children, ages two to six. The environment for children of this age range places the children in a spacious, stimulating setting that meets each child’s cognitive stage of development. At this age, children are improving their concentration, fine and gross motor skills, social regard, and problem-solving abilities. Activities for this age range can be divided into specialized categories, which include the following.

• Language – Children will study Mandarin Chinese and English. Children begin by mastering the phonetics of the language (the individual sounds and words) before they learn the basic writing systems. GMIS emphasizes comprehension and oral fluency in teaching languages.

• Mathematics – Children focus on learning arithmetic through hands-on activities with the Montessori materials. This helps them grasp the fundamental concepts instead of just memorizing abstract formulae.

• Geography – Children study physical geography by studying globes and learn about different continents, countries, oceans, and land forms through puzzle maps. Children learn how to relate physical geography to political geography in order to increase cultural awareness.

• Science – Children are taught about the natural world around them. Children are naturally curious about their world already, and the Montessori approach fosters children’s respect and care for all living things.

• Arts and Crafts – Children will learn different art techniques. The process of creating art, rather than the finished product, is emphasized. Children also will study some art history, including some of the most famous artists from different time periods.

• Music and Movement – Children will be exposed to multicultural poetic songs in order to foster cultural respect and peace education. This encompasses singing, percussion and/or primal musical instruments, and music and rhythmic movement improvisation in celebration of the human condition and natural phenomenological appearances in nature.

• Afternoon Activities – While the above curriculum is typically followed throughout the day, we understand that some children may need an afternoon nap. Children under the age of four are allowed to nap after lunch. They may resume the schedule of classroom activities when they wake up.

Elementary Program
Children in the elementary class are between the ages of six and twelve years. The elementary class focuses on further developing their imagination and their skills of abstraction, while beginning to learn to apply the knowledge that they have acquired as they orient themselves in relation to society. In order to function in this society, students must strive to build their basic physical, emotional, and cognitive skills.

As children advance into the elementary level, more reference materials are introduced to aid the children in their studies. Students learn how to use books for active research rather than seeing them just as textbooks.

In researching topics and using books for reference, children gain a sense of responsibility and independence in their studies. They are free to choose their own work but are held responsible for these choices.

Activities for the elementary classes are as follows.

• Language – While language is usually incorporated in other subjects, it is occasionally treated as its own, separate subject. Elementary students focus on using language for self-expression and for attaining new information. Children also improve their writing abilities.

• Mathematics – Montessori materials are still used to make sure that students fully grasp each concept to which they are introduced. Children begin studying geometry and algebra.

• Geography and History – Geography and history are taught together to see how they are related to and affect each other.

• Art – Students are introduced to a variety of new media with which they can express themselves artistically. History and art are still linked with each other as they learn about the historical development of different art forms.

• Physical Education – Physical education in GMIS includes cultural dances and organized games that promote and refine movement and gross motor skills.

• Physical and Natural Science – Students study the scientific hypothesis of the origin of the universe as well as different types of natural phenomena – such as volcanoes and weather patterns. We approach science in a way that promotes children’s understanding of ecology and their responsibilities towards the environment.