Library
The library, situated in the heart of The Montessori School’s main building, is a learning resource center that instills a love of reading and independent research skills among all members of the community.
The program seeks to ensure that all students are independent, productive users of the library’s resources, which are collected, designed, and formatted to support the classroom curriculum. A collection of more than 10,000 books, tapes, periodicals and videos is varied, age appropriate, and of high quality.
The library has a ratio of 36 books per student; approximately 65 percent of the collection is less than 15 years old. Book lists provide include selections from the Coretta Scott King Awards; Caldecott Medal; Texas Bluebonnet Award; and Newberry Medal.
Spanish
Primary students mainly focus on learning basic vocabulary: days of the week, colors, numbers, animals, food, clothing, parts of the body, school and family as well as learning how to respond to greetings and other simple questions. They learn how to follow simple commands in Spanish. Much of the learning is achieved through various songs presented in the class.
Lower Elementary students continue learning various basic vocabulary in addition to the vocabulary pertaining to what they are learning in their classrooms as well. This creates a correlation between Spanish class and their regular classroom. Students in this level also learn how to distinguish the feminine and masculine nouns and the articles that correspond to the nouns. The students are able to recognize words in Spanish and write simple sentences in first person. They develop these skills using Montessori materials. In addition, they begin to practice conversational Spanish. At this time, students are also presented with cultural studies of the Latin American/Hispanic culture.
The Upper Elementary students improve their listening skills by listening to and understanding Spanish dialogues. We cover topics such as greeting people, learning about someone new, and telling what you like and dislike. We also practice reading and pronunciation by reading small dialogues out loud and creating skits to present to the class. At this point we are also learning verb conjugation in preparation for middle school. Students also research Hispanic countries and cultures.
Middle School students learn survival Spanish. They are taught all the vocabulary and information needed to travel to a Spanish speaking country. They learn how to give and ask for directions. They are able to take a taxi, order at a restaurant, purchase an item at a store, describe what a person is wearing and the person's physical features, etc. We also complete grammar worksheets in which reading comprehension and formulating sentences is required.
Native Speakers Curriculum
Lower Elementary first and second year students improve their Spanish by practicing their reading and writing. They also create their own stories and poems.
Lower Elementary third year students begin to work on grammar worksheets in which reading comprehension is required. At this time they also learn a lot of grammar rules, such as the different types of accent marks, the syllables, composition, grammar accidents, articles, pronouns, etc.
Upper Elementary students work with their classmates but are required to turn in or complete more extensive and complete work.
Middle School students analyze newspaper articles, read books in Spanish and write summaries to the chapters. They research different topics and write papers on them. They also apply their skills to tutor non-native speakers in the Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary classes.
Music
At core of music education is the Kodály philosophy, which encourages good vocal tone production and teaches musical literacy (reading and notating music rhythms and notes) through traditional folk songs and well-composed music. Music literacy teaching begins with the very young child and continues through Middle School.
Students participate in singing, music games and dances, rhymes and speech exercises, movement, and folk dances, and are eventually led to rhythmic and melodic improvisation and composition. The Orff instruments become an extension of the singing voice and are used to enhance the student's musical experience.
All students meet with a music specialist on a regular basis each week, and small groups are selected to participate in different special programs. Music studies and activities also take place within the Montessori classroom environment and are supported by the classroom teacher.
Singers Program
The Montessori School’s choral program has developed an excellent reputation since its inception in 1988. Our Singers’ performances include the nationally televised Mass at San Fernando Cathedral, and a program of folk and contemporary songs and dance at the Texas Music Educator Association Convention-- Central Texas Orff reception. The Singers also performed for the Texas Challenger Kick-off attended by then-Governor George W. Bush and General Colin Powell, USA, Retired.
In May of 2001, the Singers recorded a compact disc with the San Antonio Choral Society entitled “A Song for All Seasons.” The Singers and the Advanced Recorder Ensemble performances include two San Antonio Early Music Festivals, and, in Dallas, the national convention of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association opening ceremony.
Physical Education
The Montessori School’s athletic program gives each child the opportunity to experience individual accomplishment, teamwork, and the value of sportsmanship.
Supported by a solid core of motor skills, techniques, and coordination training, each child engages in a wide array of games and activities and pursues his/her specific interests and talents. As students explore their potential, our staff instills in them high standards for personal wellness and provides them a supportive venue for athletic trials and successes.
As part of the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL), our school offers team soccer, track and field, tennis, and basketball for girls and boys at the Middle School levels. After-school soccer, golf, tennis, jump rope, and sports club for younger ages are also available.
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