The Early Childhood Center and Elementary grades K-6 are based on team-planned, individualized and small group instruction. Instructional activities may take the students beyond the four walls of the classroom. We believe in bringing the classroom out into nature and bringing nature into the classroom. We strive toward an integrated curriculum, correlating the various disciplines. This approach provides the students with a broad base of knowledge, allowing students to express themselves and make the connections.

Math for example, often includes writing and discussion experiences that can enhance the understanding of basic computation skills. Science and social studies lessons often require students to use math and language skills to demonstrate understanding and make real life connections. Poetry and song often add to classroom lessons by building upon specific themes or units of study.

Teachers work from the premise that “children want to learn”. Therefore, we provide classrooms rich in materials and experiences, We educate the whole child - emotionally, socially, physically, academically and spiritually. Parent cooperation and communication are valued.

Children love to be read to. That is one reason for having a time set aside for literature each day. If children are taught the basic skills and the foundations of reading, they will read in their own time. Our Language arts program encompasses listening, speaking, literature, poetry, reading, writing and grammar.

We provide a solid foundation of phonetics, coupled with many other methodologies to give students a basis for reading and writing. We make use of both basal and independent reading books. Listening centers are available in the classrooms of younger students.  Vocabulary, spelling and grammar lessons are an integral part of the reading and writing curriculum.  

We make use of notebooks in every subject area rather than using a great deal of worksheets. This provides children the opportunity to experience writing on a regular basis rather than filling in blanks.

Children are also taught to write creatively in every grade. Creative writing takes place weekly.

The scope and sequence of the elementary math program of MSMA allows for mathematics to be a hand-on approach as well as a team effort. Mathematics depends both on memorization and understanding.  The areas of focus are computation, estimation, geometry and problem solving. Manipulative materials are used throughout the various grades.

Teaching Math is also incorporated into thematic units. It is often combined with science. Math is integrated with English and language arts so that students must communicate about the math both orally and in writing. Drill in math is important. We expect our students to memorize the math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Pre Algebra is taught in grade 6.

The social studies program at MSMA explores the world and people around the world, studying similarities and differences, human interdependence, rights and responsibilities. Students study cultural practices and how people live in different parts of the world. Living cooperatively in the classroom setting is an important part of the social environment of each class. Children are encouraged to take an interest in their environments.

World Geography and History are seriously studied. In order to learn History, we believe students should know the world map well.

Geography and History are taught in an integrated manner. It is taught as a story, so as to make the connection between people and the land and how one impacts upon the other. Research skills are integrated with writing and technology. Globes, maps and time lines are an integral part of social studies at the Mount.

The fourth grade have an intense year of New Hampshire studies. These studies encompass both the history and geography of New Hampshire. Their study of state government gives them a better understanding of how democracy works and a sense of citizenship. Their studies end with a project presentation on New Hampshire Day at the Mount.

In the early childhood program children are exposed to nature. They study plants and animal and their habitat. They study the human body and become more aware of their own safety and the healthy care of their bodies. At this age they begin to develop scientific thinking which includes observation, investigation, questioning, and predicting. The focus is on exploration and wonder of their surroundings. We believe that play is an important vehicle for development. There are many hands-on experiences including experiments in our science studies. (We explore with our five senses.) Many books are read for each unit and are also available to students.

Science materials and equipment are available in the science lab. Teachers have been introduced to all that is available and are encouraged to use it with their classes. Experiments are part of each unit in the elementary text.

Teachers are also able to avail of the local organizations for field trips. Audubon, Amoskeage Fishway, museums, the Conservation Center and Christa McAuliffe Planetarium are all easily accessed from the Mount.

Physical education is an organized instructional period for physical development and coordination. Children are taught warm-up exercises, muscle stretches, hand eye coordination activities, and body movement. Group sports are taught along with rules for each game.  Children are taught sportsmanship and the value of team work as well as being a team-player. Children are taught safety in all activities. Various pieces of equipment are introduced throughout the program.

Art

Through the early years, children explore with the use of crayons, markers and clay. In the elementary art program students learn to handle a variety of medium and the techniques to express themselves with these materials. In the younger elementary grades, freedom of exploration is encouraged and in the later elementary grades the methodologies of art and drawing are emphasized. Throughout the elementary art program, appropriate usage of the vocabulary and techniques of various artists is stressed and practiced. Art History and art appreciation are part of the curriculum. Students are provided with examples of the professional artist's work. The older elementary students begin to confront challenges of the adult artist: rendering objects in the third dimension, perspective, and shading.

In the Early Childhood Program children listen to music, learn songs, begin rhythm activities and creative movement. The elementary music curriculum provides time for listening to artists and discussion of the various styles of music, from modern day to centuries past.

Understanding relationships among the arts, and relating music to history and culture is an important part of their music development. Elementary students are taught notation. Students develop critical listening skills, vocal flexibility and control, and knowledge of music theory and notation. Various exercises are done to help students develop a ear for music. Students are encouraged to try their hand at composing music as well.

They learn to sing the note of songs in tonic sol-fa which, in turn helps with playing the Irish Tin Whistle and other instruments. Students begin in grade one to learn to play the Irish whistle. Students learn musical expression through sacred dance. Band Lessons are an option for students in grades 4-6. Children participate in musical performances throughout the school year.

We have classroom libraries as well as a school library for grades nursery through grade three. A resource/research library is available for grades 1-6. Younger children have library time once a week. Older students use the resource room on an as needed basis for research.

In the early year, children are introduced to the computer as another tool of education. Specific educational games are planned for computer sessions. Children are taught basic skills that will help maneuver around the games. They learn to follow directions for starting , playing and ending a game session. They are taught the importance of caring properly for the computers in the lab and learn as well, the rules of the lab.

The elementary grade students are first introduced to the uses and care of computers. Rules for the lab are established with the students. The main objective for grades 1-6 is to teach practical use and applications of technology. Student in grades 1 through 6 learn to use Microsoft Office programs. They begin with Word and work their way through Publisher, Power Point and Excel. They learn to produce documents in each application, learning all the tricks of the trade. Publications are often related to class work or are the direct culmination of an assigned project. They learn to use the overhead projector, digital camera, scanner and LCD projector. Students become quite proficient in the use and application of technology in the classroom.

Email : principal@mtstmary.org