Middle School
Maria Montessori teaches that the role of the adolescent is to learn to become an independent adult who can contribute to the interdependency of human social organizations. As such, our Montessori middle school's program serves to provide opportunities for purposeful work, prepare for economic independence, and collaborate with others with respect and compassion.
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Alyssum Montessori's approach to Middle School begins to prepare the student for their adult life while learning skills for a traditional high school experience. Students are introduced to technological skills they will need to succeed, but the focus remains on developing the adolescents interaction with their local environment.
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A typical day in our Middle School classroom begins with a morning meeting, where students create a work plan of what they will accomplish that day. They spend the next 2-3 hours in their work cycle. Students may choose to complete work in teams or independently. The Middle School Guide will offer lessons during this work cycle and assist with the various works. ​​After students have had a break and nourished their bodies, the afternoon may vary. Some days there will be an afternoon work cycle, and some days there are opportunities for creative expression or enrichment.
For Example:
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Instrument lessons at Pearl Arts
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Acrylic painting classes
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CAD Design courses
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Crafting activities at TekVenture
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Research and Reading at ACPL
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Cycles and Land Weeks
Our two-year program blends the Indiana State Standards with traditional Montessori practices of freedom within limits and expecting students to manage their own work schedules. In opposition to a traditional middle school's 45-minute bell cycle of independent subjects, Alyssum's 6 weeks cycles are cross-curricular and culminate in taking what they have learned in the classroom out into the local environment.
Each cycle's theme is based in Culture, with a novel study, and Science focus relating to the theme. At the end of each Cycle, the students have a "Land Week" that takes them out of the classroom and into the community to apply what they have learned. For example:
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Culture Theme: Ancient River Civilizations
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Science Concept: Irrigation Models, Mapping Rivers and Plate Tectonics role
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Novel Study: The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Night Diary
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Land Week Locations:
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Eagle Marsh, restored wetland, seed collection
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Camp Scott: constructed wetland for flood mitigation and river maintenance.
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Three Rivers convergence walk and observations​​
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Also during Land Weeks, students will participate in service projects that help them interact with our community and nature while creating connections. In the past, they have installed roofing to waterproof a firewood box, dug trenches for moving water under trails, and removed invasive species in local natural areas.
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About the Teacher
Anna inherited her enthusiastic love of learning from her science-filled teaching household as a child. As an adult, she has spent the last 15 years teaching 5th through 10th grades in local schools and Starbase STEAM Academy.
When she began thinking about the education she wanted her own children to receive, she decided she wanted them to experience a different approach to education than the traditional classrooms she was used to. A friend introduced her to Montessori, and her children began their Montessori experience. They thrived and she learned more. After a while, Anna expanded her own knowledge base of Montessori practice, earned a new certification, and blended her education and experience to create the Middle School program at Alyssum. She, and her children, love being a part of the Alyssum community!
Anna Jernigan
Founding Middle School Guide
