We're transitioning from Montessori Preschool Curriculum to the Montessori Early Elementary Curriculum. I dabbled with the elementary curriculum this year with Dinomite, but next year we're diving in head first with all three kiddos, while at the same time trying to finish up odds and ends of the preschool curriculum. Jason and I have been reading and studying the elementary curriculum since January, hoping we'll be prepared for all that's coming. It's just a little intimidating. Children in an early elementary Montessori classroom, learn the same content I learned in middle school. There are so many new concepts and materials to learn about. I'm sure next year will be fabulous, but I feel like I'm starting my own Montessori education all over again.
Next year will be divided into monthly and weekly themes, like in years past, in order to help me keep things organized, and to keep the kiddos' interest. It still surprises me sometimes how much of a difference themed activities make to the kiddos. (The kiddos helped choose our units for the upcoming year.)
We're in the process of ordering a ton of new Montessori materials for our classroom. The kiddos will be introduced to them over the course of the year. I can't wait for them all to come in! Opening up new Montessori materials is better than Christmas to me. LOL. All that's left when preparing for our new school year is giving our learning time room a face lift with new paint, curtains, shelving etc. I can't wait to show everyone when it's done!
For now, I'd love to share our new themes for the year. Some themes we've done before, but it's been awhile. Though themes may be the same, the content will be brand new, as the kiddos are older now. Other themes you'll see, we've never covered. Instead of focusing on specific continents this year we're moving on to counties. I'm super excited about everything! Our school year starts July 1st, so you'll start seeing units quite soon.
Here goes!
July
Unit Theme: The Universe
Part 1: Our Solar System & Milky Way
Part 2: Laws of the Universe
Part 3: The Earth & Sun
Part 4: Peter Pan (Birthday Celebration Week)
August
Unit Theme: The Earth
Part 1: Composition of the Earth
Part 2: The Atmosphere
Part 3: The Hydrosphere
Part 4: Hollywood Studios (Preparation for Disney World
September
Unit Theme: The Animal Kingdom
Part 1: Mammals
Part 2: Birds
Part 3: Fish
Part 4: Reptiles & Amphibians
Part 5: Animal Kingdom (Preparation for trip to Disney World)
October
Unit Theme: Countries of the World
Part 1: Norway
Part 2: Epcot (Preparation for Trip to Disney World
Part 3: VACATION IN DISNEY WORLD!!!
Part 4: Halloween
November
Unit Theme: I Can Stay Safe in My Community
Part 1: Fire Safety
Part 2: Law Enforcement
Part 3: Medical Emergencies
Part 4: Thanksgiving Grace & Courtesy
December
Unit Theme: Christmas
Part 1: Woodland Christmas
Part 2: All Things Gingerbread
Part 3: Christmas in Germany
Part 4: CHRISTMAS VACATION!!!
January
Unit Theme: The Time Line of Life
Part 1: China
Part 2: History of Writing
Part 3: History of Mathematics
Part 4: History of the Arts
February
Unit Theme: Disability Awareness
Part 1: Physical Disabilities & Handicaps
Part 2: Developmental Disabilities & Handicaps
Part 3: Emotional Disabilities & Handicaps
Part 4: Valentine's Day in Italy
March
Unit Theme: Engineering & Design
Part 1: Architecture
Part 2: Plumbing
Part 3: Electricity
Part 4: United Kingdom
Part 5: EASTER VACATION!!!
April
Unit Theme: Habitats of the World
Part 1: Desert
Part 2: Grasslands
Part 3: Rainforest
Part 4: Morocco
May
Unit Theme: Botany
Part 1: Study of Functions and Parts of Plants
Part 2: The Plant Kingdom
Part 3: Anthecology (Pollination Biology)
Part 4: Mexico
June
Unit Theme: At the Farm
Part 1: Farm Animals
Part 2: Crops & Nutrition
Part 3: Farming Tools & Equipment
Part 4: Canada
It's my goal to cover every single item on this syllabus. However, sickness, emergencies, and/or unexpected events can change all that. Rest assured, I'm required to cover 80% of all material in my syllabus per school district standards.
I'm so excited to start the new school year. This past year has been very challenging with the addition of Sunshine to our learning time. I felt like I could never stay on top of things. Learning time was extremely difficult to manage. I'm so excited that my husband will be home with me this year to help out and keep things on pace.
For those wondering what the rest of this year will look like, here's our plan:
June
Unit Theme: Make Up & Review
Part 1: My Body Unit which includes the study of Respiratory & Digestive Systems
Part 2: Africa Unit which includes the study of Ancient Egypt
Part 3: Asia Unit which includes the study of Ancient China
Part 4: Zoology Unit which includes the study of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras
If you're looking for other unit them ideas and homeschool tips and resources, be sure to check out these posts:
Welcome to the Learn & Play Thursday Link Up!
June Themed Activities for Kids from Living Montessori Now
Learning Begins at Home from Just Another Mom
5 Ways To Encourage Growth in Your Homeschool from Year Round Homeschooling
Doing Montessori At Home With Your 12 Months Old Child from Montessori Nature
Now it’s time for this week’s link party! This new link up is for all blog posts that include learn and play activities and hands-on education for kids. We are excited to read your blog posts and to see what you have to share! Please link up below and grab our button to display on your blog.
If you are a blogger, share your family friendly posts here. We are looking for things which include:
- Montessori Education
- Homeschool
- Sensory Play
- Tot and Preschool Trays
- Fine and Gross Motor Activities
- Kids in the Kitchen
- Healthy Recipes for Kids
- Arts and Crafts
- Natural Living
- Free Educational Printables
- Family-Oriented Activities
- Healthy Living
Your post will be shown on each host’s blog where we will individually pick features every other week. That means there is more of a chance that you will be featured!
Everyone, please meet our link party hosts:
Guidelines for Linking:
- Please link up 1-3 posts
- Follow each of the hosts on social media
- When you link up, please add our button and place it at the bottom of your shared posts or link back with text link.
- By entering a link, you’re giving us permission to feature an image on our blogs. Proper credit & links will ALWAYS be given.
- Please visit a couple of shared posts and leave a comment for them
- Remember that you must link back in order to be featured
These look so interesting!! I am really looking forward following your blog this year!
ReplyDeleteIs there any way I can contact you? I'd really like to ask you a few questions since you're further down the line than I am. You can write me @ in our pond at gmail (no spaces and I'm sure you can figure out the rest). Please write soon ;-)
ReplyDelete