Ambleside Elementary
Ages 5-12
With a mix of independent, Montessori inspired work for choosing and group activities explored as a class, members of Ambleside Academy's elementary program feast together on a wide variety of subject matter for a well-rounded experience which fosters confidence and joy in learning.
Literature & L.A.
Story is the heart of our learning at Ambleside. Folktales and sayings, poetry, classic literature, and living stories provide "scope for the imagination" and an introduction to all other subjects we delve into together in our classroom. Language arts and penmanship skills are gently reinforced by journaling stories that inspire us and through Montessori language arts activities and games.
Nature Study/Science
Nature study and journaling are important aspects of our awareness and appreciation of the world around us. We enjoy units in astronomy, zoology, paleontology, geology and anatomy. Botany is experienced through classroom plant care and work in our Ambleside garden spaces. Stories of great scientists and inventors inspire us to make discoveries of our own!
Arts
From artist and musician studies, painting, sculpting, dancing and singing, opportunities for artistic expression are abundant in our classroom. A rich variety of handcrafts not only encourage creativity, but develop fine motor skills and concentration that will also carry over into penmanship and writing skills.
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Social Studies
Relationships with world cultures and the stories of our own history expand our horizons. We explore cultures through story, arts, music and occasional culinary arts activities. Special geography units also explore land forms, lakes, rivers, biomes and mapping activities.
Mathematics
Group math games, logic puzzles, stories and activities make mathematics a delightful part of our day! Introductions to great mathematical minds of the past and their adventures of discovery help us develop a love for this area of study.
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Physical Education
We take full advantage of gathering each week to play together and spend time participating in a variety of group activities. From relay games, folk dances and soccer skills to games of capture the flag and explorations in archery during our medieval studies, we like to get moving at Ambleside!
Our Day
Choosing Time
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The first portion of our day is dedicated to choosing from a variety of work available in each of our areas of study. Students are free to focus on individual interests or to collaborate with friends in their explorations.
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Gathering Time
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In our opening circle students rotate through leadership roles and classroom stewardships which help to develop confident self-government habits. We enjoy stories, monthly memorizations, monthly artist and musician studies, and daily logic puzzles or math games.
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Physical Education
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Teamwork, cooperation and problem solving skills are meaningful benefits of our play.
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Unit Studies
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Each month we focus on unit studies in the humanities and sciences, which include special activities, projects, and celebrations, following a modifid version of the Well Educated Heart's rotation schedule.