Lower Elementary
1st grade - 3rd grade
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Lower Elementary curriculum uses "The Great Stories" as a springboard for interdisciplinary learning. There are five Great Lessons that are introduced: The Coming of the Universe, The Timeline of Life, The Timeline of Humans, The Story of Math, and The Story of Language. In this way, children learn about their place in the universe. Montessori referred to this as "Cosmic Education".
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Each of these lessons initiates curiosity or interests connected to other academic areas. These stories spark the imagination of lower elementary students and give them a context for deeper engagement and learning.
Instead of approaching schoolwork as discrete subjects, Montessori students discover the interrelationship between subject areas and explore how Math, Language, Science and History are connected and important for understanding and learning.
About the Teachers
For over 20 years, Sara has either in the classroom or the library. She has been fortunate to work with children of all ages from infants through high school and places great value on collaboration with parents, students, and teachers.
While she loves Montessori Cosmic Education for elementary students, some of her favorite lessons include Ancient Civilizations, Peace Studies with Montessori Model United Nations, and Writer’s Workshop. Her educational journey includes an AMI, 6-12 Montessori credential from Hershey Training Center, a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Grace College-Winona Lake, IN and a Master of Library Science from Indiana University-Fort Wayne.
Being a part of the first Wildflower school in Fort Wayne and the state of Indiana as been a joy. Likewise, Sara feels grateful to continue sharing Montessori with families in Fort Wayne as she was able to do for her own children for many years.
Sara Gensic
Lower Elementary Guide
Founding Teacher Leader
Jess has almost 10 years of experience working with children, but it was discovering the Montessori philosophy that truly aligned with her values as both a parent and an educator.
For the past few years, she has been immersed in the Montessori elementary classroom, where she finds joy in exploring hands-on materials alongside the children. Watching young learners uncover their interests and understand their place in the world is the highlight of her day.
Jess is also passionate about getting children outdoors, where they can learn to coexist with nature through collaboration, sustainability, and problem-solving. Her love of music, hiking, and laughter shines through and helps shape the vibrant community at Alyssum Montessori.
Jess Croft
Lower Elementary Guide
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