Adventures in Lower Elementary: Cosmic Questions, Classroom Bonds, and Big Ideas

What an incredible whirlwind the past couple of months have been in lower elementary. As promised, here’s some photos and behind the scenes notes on what we have been up to!

As I joined the class during Intercession, the children welcomed me with openness, confidence, and generosity. They didn’t just show me their work - they taught me how the classroom, and DGS in general, functions. Their collaboration, compassion, and curiosity confirmed what every Montessori teacher dreams of: students who truly love to learn.

While rehearsing for their beautiful winter play, students continued their math and language work with impressive focus. Some of the students took it upon themselves to try to create the largest-possible products using the multiplication checkerboards, and were thrilled to discover answers in the millions place! Between practices, the classroom became a laboratory of ideas inspired by the First Great Lesson: The Story of the Universe.

Our cosmic studies included:

• Investigating solids, liquids, and gases

• Experimented with lunar craters to see how they are formed

• Creating moon and constellation art

• Researching planets and space exploration

• Exploring the Goldilocks Zone and what makes Earth’s location so special

• Made hands-on projects to illustrate solar system concepts

In history and geography, students:

• Created calendars

• Worked with the map cabinet at individualized levels

• Explored cultural traditions, including Christmas and Hanukkah

• Crafted made-with-love gifts for their families

December reminded me that Montessori at its core is about helping children see themselves as thoughtful citizens of a vast and interconnected universe.