Why Stay for 6th Year?

January 28, 2022

As traditional middle schools start at 6th grade, it’s natural that students might be curious about this transition year. But here’s what your child gains by staying in a Montessori program for the final year.

A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADOLESCENCE

6th year is the last year of the elementary cycle, and it’s the last year of the 2nd plane of development and is the culmination of childhood. At 12 years of age, children are at the brink of adolescence, but while many may appear to have entered adolescence, this is not always the case. A final year in the elementary classroom can bridge the gap between a child’s physical and cognitive maturity by providing a stable environment for honing their social emotional skills. This prepares them to enter their next phase of development, adolescence, with a stronger sense of self- confidence and maturity.

CONTINUATION OF SECURE RELATIONSHIPS

While traditional schools mix up the student body each year, and often begin mixing up a large student between teachers multiple times a day starting in 6th grade, Montessori classrooms give children a strong foundation for forming and maintaining long-lasting friendships and relationships with adults at their school by keeping children with a group of peers throughout their elementary years. Confident and secure children are more likely to feel comfortable choosing challenging work and taking on leadership roles in school, and later in their lives.

CULMINATION OF ADVANCED CURRICULUM

Montessori schools have a formidable Elementary curriculum that challenges students of a range of ages and abilities. It keeps older and advanced students engaged. You may find that 6th year students are able to do work at a much higher level than the 6th grade state curriculum asks of them. This is because throughout the years of Elementary, children have been guided on specialized paths of inquiry and knowledge acquisition. They have been allowed to develop at their own pace, be it faster or slower than others of their age-group or knowledge level, and help them find tasks that are engaging and the right level of challenge.

TAKING ON LEADERSHIP ROLES

6th years, in comparison to their younger classmates, have gained experience, maturity, and abilities that allow them to take on leadership roles in their classrooms in all areas (academic, social, daily life…) This is an important aspect of the Montessori method, which aims to prepare individuals for life and for being agents of peace and change in the world. Experiencing the role of eldest and most experienced in a community gives children the opportunity to learn about kindness and service to others.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Music, Drama and Dance in the Montessori Classroom

January 13, 2025

Dear Maria, Winterfest is coming up. What place do music, drama, and dance have in the Montessori classroom? Sincerely, Curious

What are Going Outs?

September 18, 2024

Dear Maria, What are “Going Outs”? How do they help our children learn? Can I help? Sincerely, Cascadia parent Dear Cascadia parent, Going Outs are a key piece of the Montessori elementary experience. A Going Out is a child-led outing from the classroom and can take various forms. Children might go on an errand for the class community or for supplies for a special project (cooking, baking, arts & crafts, special experiment, etc.). They might go and see something in-person that they’ve been researching in class. Going to see a native animal or plant in its natural ecosystem, visiting the zoo to observe an animal, picking up books at the public library or visiting an expert to talk more about a topic or see a special demonstration might all be research-related going outs. The possibilities are endless and limited only to the child’s imagination…and to practicalities, because a vital part of Going Outs is that the children organize everything themselves! They’re responsible for organizing chaperones, transportation, necessary things to bring along, and getting an appointment or tickets if necessary. Going Outs are a huge part of how Elementary children learn about the world and practice independence! Many skills are involved in planning a Going Out, including map reading, learning about money, distance, time management, organizing a group, preparing practical items (using forethought to prepare for weather or unexpected events), and much more! Of course with the youngest children, your child’s guide and assistant will give lessons on Going Outs or assist them with planning their first trips. Young children might be invited to go along with an older and more experienced child and learn the process that way. Guides have established Going Out procedures to aid children in taking on this responsibility for themselves. (Part of these procedures involve notifying Susan in the office and parents & guardians about the going out date, time, and location, so don’t be worried about your child leaving campus without your knowledge.)