Specialty subject areas are taught during the afternoon, after the 3-hour morning work block. Elementary students participate in a wide variety of activities, both on campus and at our Land Laboratory in Pompey.
Music
Music in the elementary program consists of five related components: singing, music theory and ear training, instruments, composition, and performance (choral/instrumental).
Students in the Lower Elementary classroom are introduced to the treble clef and learn to play simple note combinations on Orff instruments and ukuleles. Throughout their years in lower elementary, students will progress at their own pace in mastering a wide variety of musical concepts on these instruments. They will also practice singing songs from around the world. They will also learn to be professional performers as they prepare for, and present, a spring recital each year.
World Languages
Our foreign language program emphasizes a conversational approach, supported by cultural exploration. Emphasis is placed on listening skills to expose students to a variety of vocabulary and contextualized language. Over time, students expand their vocabulary and are exposed to the written word.
First and Second grade students learn Mandarin while third through sixth level students learn French. In the coming years, the program will transition completely to Mandarin.
Fitness
The fitness program includes opportunities for both individual physical fitness and group play to encourage the development of abilities to work as a part of a larger team. The students have exposure to traditional sports such as basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, and track & field, as well as instruction in dance, rock climbing, movement, gymnastics, yoga, and cooperative games. All these combine to allow the child to develop a positive relationship with physical activity and wellness.
Art
The art program at MSS takes a choice-based approach, encouraging our students to explore various materials and develop their fine motor skills. Art class serves as a nurturing environment for social and emotional learning, where students can freely express their emotions, build self-confidence, and develop empathy through creative exploration. This program places emphasis on individual artistic exploration where students are given the freedom to experiment with different mediums, fostering creativity and allowing them to discover their unique artistic abilities. Students work on a variety of media including drawing, painting, ceramics, weaving, felting, textiles, woodworking, illustration, nature-based art, and sculpture. The students actively participate in projects that promote empathy, social responsibility, and community building, using their artistic talents to create meaningful contributions extending beyond the walls of our school.
Library
Nona’s Corner is the main lending library at the Montessori School of Syracuse, and is available to students and their parents. Its primary goal is to provide up-to-date, high quality materials, both fiction and nonfiction, for our students to borrow. Elementary students have weekly visits to the library and the opportunity to borrow books. By maintaining Nona’s Corner, the Montessori School of Syracuse hopes to welcome children into the world of libraries and reading; to provide enticing and suitable materials which will foster a love of learning and excitement about the process of book selection and discovery.
If you are looking for a wonderful way to celebrate your student’s birthday or other special occasion, consider donating a book to our school library, Nona’s Corner. A book plate in the front of each book will recognize your student and the librarian will recognize them during a library class with the new book. Your donation will help build our collection as well as increase your student’s pride and ownership in their school library. Click here to see the MSS Wish List.
Adirondack Trip
As they reach the end of their third-grade year, students embark on a four-day trip to the Adirondack Mountains. This is an important rite of passage and team-building experience as the students prepare to move up to the Upper Elementary classroom. Teachers accompany the students to their home base at the Rock and River Lodge in Kenne, NY. The group spends their days climbing selected peaks and rock climbing with professional guides. This trip is a celebration of all that the students have accomplished during their time in the Lower Elementary classroom.