We complement and enhance the Montessori method with the following elements:
Core Knowledge
Core Knowledge was developed by Dr. E. D. Hirsch to help children achieve “cultural literacy” — the shared knowledge that closes the opportunity gap by empowering children both to reach their academic potential, and have a more equal opportunity to engage in democratic society. Maria Montessori shared a similar view; she inspired children through great lessons in the cultural curriculum, fundamental needs of human beings, and more.
Core Knowledge takes this a step further with a specific set of interactive read-alouds and writing about high-quality literature on science and social studies topics — from fairy tales across cultures, world civilizations, classification of animals, ecology, astronomy, and more. Sample units include:
Literature: Greek Mythology, Fairy and Tall Tales, Classic Literature
Science: Cycles in Nature, Astronomy, The Human Body
History: Early Asian Civilizations, The Civil War, Ancient Roman Civilizations
Social Studies & Geography: Fighting for a Cause, Immigration, Native American Regions and Cultures
Learn more about Core Knowledge here.
This interview with Core Knowledge founder, ED Hirsch, explains how Montessori and Core Knowledge complement each other at Libertas.
Character through literature
VIRTUE STUDY: In addition to practicing character in the Montessori classroom, we also inspire character through virtue study — daily interactive readalouds of beautiful children's literature from across cultures. Each month has a virtue theme, such as grace & courtesy, justice, or forgiveness, and each day we read from authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder, Kenneth Grahame, Jerry Pinkney, Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, Dante, Martin Luther King, Jr., and countless more.
LIBRARY: Our carefully curated library is stocked with beautifully written and illustrated folk tales, fairy tales, poetry, and literature from across cultures, as well as rich and informative non-fiction materials for children to pursue their research interests.
POETRY: Children experience the power and beauty of language as they prepare for our Phillis Wheatley poetry recital. Selections range from children's classics, like Robert Louis Stevenson, to the traditions most represented in our school, like Paul Laurence Dunbar, Eloise Greenfield, and Langston Hughes. Enjoy these short videos of recent student musical performances and poetry recitations.
arts and music
MUSIC: All students learn to be “tune-ful, beat-ful, and art-ful” through our music program, which includes learning to sing folk music from across cultures, along with music theory and performance skills.
VISUAL ARTS: Children learn to observe and talk about art and influential artists throughout history. They create beautiful works in a variety of media while developing motor skills and deepen creativity.
ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCES
OUTDOOR EDUCATION / GARDENING: Children prepare soil, plant seeds, harvest vegetables to take home, grow flowers to decorate their classrooms, and even take care of our school chickens and goats.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Our full time PE teacher engages children in exercise and games in our covered outdoor education classroom. In addition, we offer several after school sports programs including cross-country, basketball, and football.
