A Day in the Life…

Our Daily Rhythm

As a genuine reflection of our educational philosophy, the curriculum is integrated into a daily rhythm that provides a balance of child initiated, active, quiet, whole group/small group, inside, and outside activities. The schedule also allows time for transitions, enrichment activities and lunch.

  • Monday - Thursday

    8:30 arrival, greetings, and journaling

    9:00-12:00 independent studies and small group lessons

    12:00-12:30 community meeting

    12:30-1:15 lunch

    1:15-2:15 group and/or individual reading, projects, and presentations

    2:15-3:00 classroom restoration followed by outside or movement activities

    3:00 Pick-Up

  • Field Trip Friday (monthly)

    8:30 Arrival + Opening Circle - check-in, discussion around the day’s activities, review safety procedures and discuss opportunities and boundaries for the day.

    8:30am-12:00 pm Field Trip Activity, varies monthly

    12-1:00 Lunch + outside play

    1:00-2:30 Reading or other group activities related to the field trip

    2:30 Clean up and Closing Circle

    3:00 Pick-up

Wonder School Marfa's multi-age class follows the Montessori Elementary curriculum which includes:

Practical Life

Expanding from the foundation laid in early childhood, practical life at the Elementary level shifts from a focus on self-care and fine motor skills, to skills that help children connect with their interests in the outside world, organize their time, and take part in their community. While self-care and appropriate social interactions continue to be supported, lessons that teach responsibility are the focus. Use of tools, such as work plans, to support organization and time management skills, are incorporated into the daily routine. Teachers and students often work together to post reminders about assignments, projects, and ideas. Using these, children make independent work choices, prioritize activities, and meet deadlines.

Math

The ideas of number concepts, place value, numerals, and related quantities are reinforced and expanded upon within the Elementary program.Newfound purposes for familiar math materials provide children with the means to consider number concepts, mathematical operations, and more complex functions, helping to expand advanced mathematical knowledge and understanding.

Language

Reading and writing are integral to all subjects in the elementary classroom, enabling children to express their interests and satisfy their curiosity. Students master conventions with thorough studies of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. They produce final copies with careful penmanship and later, keyboarding. They read, analyze, think critically, and compare and contrast literature to support personal opinion and perspective. Using these reading and writing skills, they present ideas through formal and informal presentations.

Cultural Studies

Cultural studies are interdisciplinary and integrate zoology, botany, geography, geology, physical and life sciences, and anthropology. Through these lessons, children explore the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, in-depth studies of history, physical and political world geography, civics, economics, peace and justice, the arts, world languages, and physical education are introduced.

Science and Social Studies

The interdisciplinary and integrated cultural and history studies are built around “Great Lessons,” a series of dramatic stories that explore the origins of the universe, our planet, and the continuous development of human advancement. The laws of physics and chemistry reveal the interdependency of all living things. Beginning with a study of civilization, students explore the contributions of history and what it means to be a responsible citizen, seeking ways to make their own contributions.

Montessori Programming

As at all Montessori levels, the Elementary program is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, and provides cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential. Within this supportive, inclusive community, children work through the curriculum at their own pace, accelerating during some tasks or taking additional time with others. The teacher guides students through the rigorous curriculum individually tailored to their own interests, needs, and abilities. Progress is monitored using established benchmarks and expectations for student learning, including: academic preparedness, independence, confidence, autonomy, intrinsic motivation, social responsibility, and global citizenship.