Grace and courtesy begin each morning in Lower Elementary with a personal greeting from the classroom guide, which sets the tone for a day of learning and connection. Students create their daily work plan based on their previous lessons, ongoing project work, and goals they have set with the classroom guide. Some children can make their plans independently, while others, particularly the younger students, may need help with the choices.
Lower Elementary’s atmosphere is vibrant, and there is a hum of activity. Lessons are given in small groups throughout the morning. The guide plans lessons based on their assessment and observation of each child’s readiness to move forward or continue practicing within an area of study. As some students are in lessons, others progress through their day’s plan, working alone or in groups on completing work that has been assigned or researching topics of their own choosing.
Students explore the world around them, from nature journaling to researching leopard-spotted geckos to tackling math problems.
Lunchtime, with shared tables, encourages conversation and community, and recess provides outdoor fun, with games, chicken visits, fort-building, and creative play fostering friendship and joy. After recess, the afternoons vary daily and may include art and PE, a second work cycle, large group lessons, project work, or community meetings.
At day’s end, students take responsibility for caring for their classroom environment—taking out trash/recycling, straightening the shelf materials, watering plants, and tidying up in preparation for the next day. With a sense of purpose and camaraderie, their school day wraps up with friends and a bit of shared laughter.
Quest Glossary
Guide – Instead of traditional teaching, guides act as facilitators, providing a prepared environment with tools and resources that encourage independence and discovery. This approach honors each child’s unique learning style and pace, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential.
Grace & Courtesy – A core element of the Montessori curriculum, emphasizing respect, empathy, and kindness. Through lessons integrated from the start, children learn essential social skills like greeting others, taking turns, expressing gratitude, and resolving conflicts. These practices help children build relationships, develop a sense of community, and foster polite, considerate interactions.
For more information on the Elementary mind, check out this blog post from the American Montessori Society (AMS).