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GMS Curriculum |
| Montessori teachers (guides) closely monitor their students'
progress, keeping the level of challenge high. Montessori teachers
often use the children's interests to enrich the curriculum and
provide alternate avenues for accomplishment and success. |
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Parent/Toddler |
Stepping Stones |
Primary |
Elementary |
La Casa |
Special Subjects |
Extra-Curricular
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| Parent/Toddler |
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The Parent/Toddler Program provides an opportunity for parents to
discuss toddler issues as they arise. Topics such as eating,
sleeping, discipline, Montessori philosophy, etc. are also introduced
by our facilitator, Dr. Elaine Edlind, and discussed by the group.
During the one hour and fifteen minute class, the toddlers are free to
explore the materials in the classroom.
These materials have been especially selected as appropriate to the developmental level of the
children, and new materials are added as the year goes on, to meet the
needs of the children. Your child will also have the chance to
interact with the other children and the other adults in the room. A
snack is provided for the children during the class, and a music
circle rounds out the morning. This program runs once a week
from mid-October through mid-May.
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| Stepping Stones |
Stepping Stones offers toddlers their first preschool experience in a social/educational setting away from home. Children 21 months to 3 years of age are introduced to educational materials and basic Montessori equipment in this 2, 3, or 5 morning a week class taught by a head teacher and two assistants. At the right, pouring liquid, improving her fine motor control.
Read more about the Characteristics of our Stepping Stones Community, with more pictures of the toddlers at work. |
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| Primary |
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The Primary unit provides a 3 year sequential Montessori curriculum
for 3 to 6 year olds. The primary classes enroll children of mixed
ages with a full-time teacher and assistant in each class. The
children remain in the same class for all three years. Much of the
Primary emphasis is on discovery through sensory experiences. In the
first two years children attend class five mornings a week, 8:45 am to
11:45 am (for an extended day see La Casa below) The third, culminating
year is the equivalent of an all-day kindergarten from 8:30 am to
2:45 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30 am to 11:45 am on Friday.
Early Bird care from 8 till 8:45 am is available for Primary students.
La Casa Montessori afternoon enrichment program is available until 3, 4, 5, or 6 pm for one to five afternoons a week. Kindergarten year (All-Dayer) students can attend La Casa until 4, 5, or 6 pm. See below.
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| Elementary |
 The elementary unit is an advanced program for
children in grades 1 through 6. Children in the elementary are divided
by age: 6 to 9 and 9 to 13. They work in small groups as well as
individually to explore the world at large, what Montessori calls Cosmic
Education - the sciences, the arts and the universe. In the elementary
unit, children are free to act independently, to choose their own tasks,
and to work at their own pace. The guidance of the teacher in this
environment serves as a source of inspiration, encouragement, as well as
to observe and check on the child's progress. Advanced Montessori
materials and numerous resource materials are available to both student
and teacher for that purpose. Mornings consist of a three hour
concentrated work period, with art, computers, French, music and
athletics in the afternoon. As in all classrooms, children of various
ages work together. Older children inspire younger children, and through
helping them, gain a sense of responsibility and confidence in
themselves and mastery of their knowledge.
Early Bird care from 8 till 8:45 am, and after school Study Hall until as late as 6 pm are available for Elementary students.
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| La Casa, Early Bird, Study Hall |
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La Casa is a Montessori afternoon enrichment program for Primary first and second year students, running from 11:45 until 3. This program offers many activities including Nature study, Music, Cooking, Art, Yoga and Special Visitors (e.g. SPCA, Camden Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo, and puppet shows). The program continues for Primary first, second, and Kindergarten year (All-Dayer) students from 3 until 4, 5, or 6 p.m.
You may sign up for this program for five days a week until 3 pm by selecting the Full Day option on your Primary 1st/2nd year child’s application/contract. If you want your child to participate in the La Casa program for one to four days per week you may select that option on the application.
Early Bird care from 8 till 8:45 am is available for Primary and Elementary students.
After school Study Hall is available for Elementary students from 3 to 6 pm. |
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| Special Subjects |
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Art - Primary - Art is about appreciating the beauty found all around us. Creating a painting or collage brings all the concepts (points, lines, shape, form, color, texture, composition) together in one whole masterpiece. The process is very important to young children as they explore different media such as oil pastels, chalk, tempera and acrylic paints, watercolors, clay, paper construction and fiber art. We teach respect and care of the materials as well as respect for each other's personal style.
The children are inspired by famous artists' works in our visual library and print collection. The art room is a visually attractive studio with inspirational artifacts and still life materials, with a view of the beautiful outdoor setting.
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Computer Technology - Students take a weekly 45 minute computer technology class from the All-Dayer through sixth grade years, using the Montessori approach of creating an adaptive learning environment where students can develop to their fullest potential. The All-Dayer and first grade students work with Earobics, an instructional computer game which systematically teaches the critical phonological awareness, auditory processing and phonics skills required for learning to read and spell. Elementary students learn the multitude of skills needed to explore, create and construct projects, gaining the mastery of such skills as word processing, spreadsheets, programming, keyboarding, internet research, and creating multimedia presentations. These skills are then integrated into the research, projects, reports and other work that they do in the classroom and at home, on a daily basis. |
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Library - With internet access, curriculum related software, and a diverse collection of books and other print and non-print materials, the Primary and Elementary libraries serve the information needs of GMS students. The mission of the library program is to inspire and encourage a lifelong love of reading and literature and to teach students to locate, evaluate, and use information independently and effectively. (more) |
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French Language and Culture - This class is taught by Madame Denise, who also teaches Elementary Art. She often integrates French art into the language study and uses French in the art classes to maximize language exposure. (more) |
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Music - The music program is taught sequentially to children
ages 3 to 12 years old. Listening, movement, performance and reading
skills are taught and the students culminated efforts are shown
during assemblies, plays, and entire school music programs. (more) |
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Physical Education - The Physical Education programs at GMS are designed to provide knowledge, skills, and motivation for a lifetime of health, exercise, and physical activity. (more) |
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Reading - Beginning in kindergarten and extending through the elementary years, students receive supplemental reading instruction in literature and word study. We stress performance in creative and expository writing, fostering the text-based, inferential, and critical thinking skills necessary for our students to become active and enthusiastic readers and writers.
Poetry reading and drama are also incorporated into language study from the All-Dayer year through sixth grade to enhance fluency and understanding. While the reading program is derived from the best practices demonstrated by current research, it is always referenced to the Montessori curriculum. |
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| Extra-Curricular Programs |
| Fall 2006 |
After School: Flag Football & Soccer, Soccer, Young Artistry, Exploring Artists, Knead it-Punch it-Bake it, Quilting, Woodworking.
Lunchtime: Creative Dance, Yoga. |
| Winter 2007 |
After School: Sports, Basketball, Young Artistry, Exploring Artists, Knead it-Punch it-Bake it, Quilting, Woodworking.
Lunchtime: Creative Dance, Yoga. |
| Spring 2007 |
After School: Sports, Young Artistry, Exploring Artists, Create a Miniature Scene, Knitting.
Lunchtime: Baseball. |
| Spring 2008 |
After School: Sports, Photography, Arts and Crafts, Baking, Make a Miniature Room, Woodworking.
Lunchtime: Rookie Sports, Baseball, Spanish Club. |
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Parent/Toddler |
Stepping Stones |
Primary |
Elementary |
La Casa |
Special Subjects |
Extra-Curricular
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