Special Subjects
An outstanding education extends beyond the classroom. That's why we offer a diverse array of fascinating programs during the regular school day.
These programs are a critical component of our child-centered approach. An ordinary football game becomes an extraordinary demonstration of cooperation and competition - where your child learns the real meaning of fair play. He challenges himself to do better, while working with others to achieve a shared goal.
All of our programs are designed to cultivate a well-rounded educational experience and encourage children to delve more deeply into the world around them.
Special subjects integrated into the daily curriculum include art, computer technology, library, reading, Spanish, music and physical education. By including these courses as part of a regular day, we help students better understand how concepts relate to one another.
Art
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 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.
Computer Technology
Students take a weekly 45-minute computer technology class from the 3rd-year Primary through sixth grade, using the Montessori approach of
creating an adaptive learning environment where students can develop to
their fullest potential. The3rd-year Primary and 1st-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.
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
Gladwyne Montessori students. The mission of the weekly 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.
Music
The music program is taught sequentially to children from ages 3 to 12. Listening, movement, performance and reading skills are taught and
the students culminated efforts are shown during assemblies, plays, and
entire school music programs.
Physical Education
The Physical Education programs at Gladwyne Montessori are designed to provide
knowledge, skills, and motivation for a lifetime of health, exercise,
and physical activity. Students from ages 3 to 12 participate in this specialized program two times a week.
Spanish
Taught by a native Spanish speaker, the Spanish program uses Montessori techniques to teach children foreign languages.
Reading
Beginning in 3rd-year Primary 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 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.
