Lower Elementary Program (grades 1-3)
Consistent with Dr. Montessori’s philosophy, OCMS children ages 6 to 9 (grades 1–3) work at their own pace in an environment that is collaborative, rather than competitive. Children are provided with the tools and skills needed to pursue knowledge independently.
In our carefully prepared classroom environment, uninterrupted blocks of time are allotted for students to use materials and assimilate concepts. During independent work, children often inspire and teach each other. Students are encouraged to explore areas of knowledge that interest them, which often leads to academic subjects usually not taught until middle school or high school. Our specially trained faculty guide each student and offer intellectual stimulation that will instill a lifelong love of learning through the foundation of strong character and a solid mind.
3-Year Cycle Fosters Community and Caring
The classroom environment is prepared in such a way that developmental, academic, and social growth progress naturally. Students stay in the same classroom and with the same teacher for a three-year cycle, which fosters a deep sense of community and caring for classmates, and allows the teacher to develop insights into the child’s personality that flow from an in-depth and trusting relationship.
Enrichment for Elementary Students
OCMS students have access to a range of enrichment opportunities within their primary classroom, on a rotating basis.
Spanish Language
The Language curriculum at OCMS, developed by Language Program teacher Mabel Kennedy, offers students in all of our Montessori classrooms the opportunity to become immersed in Spanish language throughout the year.
Incorporating math concepts, vocabulary, song and conversational elements, students gain a robust understanding of the Spanish language and are able to practice what they have learned with their peers in their own classroom environment.
To further enhance the exploration and practice of the Spanish language, Mabel offers an after-school enrichment program, Spanish Music Time, offered once per week, throughout the school year.
Visual Arts
The Art program at OCMS has been developed and implemented over many years and is now led by instructor Jeff Menice. Students develop their own artistic vision by practicing the elements of art while enjoying the creative process.
OCMS students gain a true appreciation of the visual arts as part of the OCMS art curriculum. At the Annual Art Exhibit in May, student works of art from the current academic year are presented at the school. In the exhibit the girls and boys, along with family, friends and schoolmates, are able to see each individual’s artistic growth.
The Elementary Class participates each year in a cooperative decorative painting that is ultimately donated by the class as a fundraiser at the OCMS auction. Students have contributed their individual artistic skills to a canvas that is a treasured keepsake for generations of Montessori families.
Music Education
The OCMS Music program, led by South Shore Conservatory Percussion Director Ed Sorrentino, offers students the opportunity to learn percussion, rhythm, composition and vocal techniques, including musical material and songs from around the world.
OCMS Elementary Program students receive music education with Ed once per week as part of the Elementary Program curriculum. Our younger students in the Children’s House and Springboard to Montessori programs are often included in special performances and musical celebrations.
The Children’s House and Springboard to Montessori programs also incorporate the exploration of many musical instruments and sounds, as learning through song and rhyming is a part of language development and mastery.
Organic Gardening
The OCMS Organic Gardening program, led by Holly Hill Farm Education Director Jon Belber, teaches students the importance of cultivating, growing, and harvesting organic crops, plants, flowers, and herbs. Planting, composting, soil composition, and harvesting techniques are part of the program as students tend to their very own organic garden.
Students pick their own herbs and vegetables, often enjoying homegrown kale chips, spinach, and sampling the wide variety of vegetables grown in the OCMS organic gardens.
Physical Education
The OCMS Physical Education program encompasses a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional sports, coordination activities, and opportunities to challenge and strengthen both mind and body.
All OCMS students participate in outdoor play and exercise daily. The new addition of our sports court/hard top area encourages imaginative play and teamwork, and our new outdoor classroom provides the opportunity to heighten sensorial learning and to improve gross motor skills.
The OCMS Elementary students have a structured Physical Education program throughout the year including rock climbing, soccer, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, swimming, tennis, and yoga. The curriculum changes continuously and includes many forms of physical activity and opportunities for students to learn while playing and growing.
Community Service
A very important component of the OCMS Montessori curriculum is to teach our students to become involved in caring for their friends, their community, and the world around them. Incorporating acts of service and appropriate philanthropic opportunities for our students and families is part of the fabric of our school.
Each year, our community service efforts seek to support local endeavors, local charitable organizations such as the Hingham Mothers Club and the Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts, and to offer an introduction to the concept of philanthropic outreach around the world.
OCMS Elementary students also participated in a cooking class at Good Life Kitchen in Norwell, supporting Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry.
