Elementary Program

Grades 1 - 4

The Elementary curriculum is broad and rigorous, full of academic enrichment and unique learning opportunities. The program ensures students surpass provincial academic standards and excel in all areas with confidence.

Manor's Elementary classroom is a flexible, dynamic, and inspirational space. Elementary students learn through personalized instruction, small group lessons and cooperative work.

The program focuses on 'learning how to learn' - a skill that will serve them all their lives. Students are encouraged to ask questions, perform research, explore findings and draw their own conclusions/solutions.

All grades are taught in one classroom, with each student learning at their own pace and level. This allows for unique leadership opportunities, peer to peer learning and group collaboration/exploration. In addition, students develop valuable social and emotional skills as they interact with those at differing developmental stages.

Elementary student displaying science fair project poster

Elementary Program Highlights

  • The Elementary children are first introduced to word study: the students learn about root words, prefixes and suffixes, synonyms, antonyms and homonyms. Introductions to more complex grammar and sentence analysis comprises an important part of the second and third year curriculum.

    Each year students complete a number of poetry lessons and creative writing projects which allow them to explore language from a more artistic standpoint.

    Great attention is paid to punctuation and proper writing in all areas of the curriculum.

  • Elementary students are able to move through the curriculum at their own pace, allowing for as much or as little time as necessary to truly absorb a new concept.

    Math programming starts with the memorization of their math facts in addition and subtraction, simple multiplication, division. Students continue to grow their arithmetic skills with fractions, time & currency problems, graphing, patterning, operations with fractions, multiples, factors, divisibility and measurement.

  • The study of Geometry begins with a sensorial demonstration of shapes and solids. The children learn the names of plane figures and begin a more in-depth study of Geometry, exploring of the line, angle, triangle, quadrilateral, polygon and circle.

    The curriculum continues with congruency, similarity and equivalence, and exploration of perimeter, area and volume.

  • Zoology is introduced by learning to identify and classify plants and animals into the 5 kingdoms. Students then research, prepare and present Animal projects to the class.

    The Botany curriculum covers each part of a plant individually, with numerous experiments and activities aimed at helping the children gain a deeper understanding of plants. Field trips supplement the curriculum with hands-on discovery.

  • At Manor Montessori, children are introduced to the French language at an early age through our effective French program. With a dedicated French teacher on staff, children are well supported as they begin their French language journey.

    French is learned in a immersive and supportive environment, through stories, songs and images.

    Elementary students have 45 min of French daily.

  • Our elementary students learn about composers, past and present and from many cultures.

    The Elementary class has weekly music instruction onsite. They receive recorder or ukulele instruction, as well as other musical activities. This program allows students to learn to read music and create their own music.

    All our students develop a love and pride of performing before a live audience and are given this opportunity during our annual Winter Concert.

  • In the Elementary classroom, art origins and history are explored, leading into an in depth study of famous artists, their masterpieces and art styles.

    All art concepts are explored with a variety of mediums such as coloured pencils, painting, cutting and pasting, clay, as well as outdoor sketching, in school artist workshops and an annual field trip to a local art gallery.

  • Our Elementary program includes weekly gym classes and outdoor time where children are introduced to many fun exercises and games that help them build balance, strength and confidence.

    The Elementary students also participate in excellent offsite athletic programming: swimming at Holland Bloorview pool and a winter ski or skate program.

  • In the Elementary program, to bring the children’s experiences to “life”, field trips are incorporated into many of the children’s studies. Trips to The Ontario Science Centre, ROM, Kortright Centre, Black Creek, Pioneer Village and McMichael Art Gallery are all easily integrated into the curriculum.

    Trips to the library to take out books or research information are also integrated into the program.

Meet the Elementary Educators

  • Elementary Educator profile picture

    Matt Belford

    ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

    Mr. Matt has a lifelong passion for working with kids, from soccer pitch to classroom. He loves the flexibility of the Montessori curriculum where he can encourage and guide students in exploring what truly speaks to them. Outside the classroom Mr. Matt enjoys painting, reading, playing sports, and travelling with friends and family.

  • Vicki Dunn

    ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR

    Miss Vicki has been teaching Elementary Montessori for over 20 years, fostering independence, empathy and a love for learning into all her students. She enjoys team teaching (with Mr Matt) as it provides their students with two qualified teachers and enhances the best both teachers can offer. When she isn’t teaching, Miss Vicki enjoys Ballroom and East Coast Swing dancing.