Summer Camp Curriculum
The summer camp curriculum has the following components:
Montessori Work Cycle:
The outdoor Montessori classroom is set up with material that is part of the Montessori Elementary I and II Curricula. Students engage with material independently or within small groups. The Montessori Guides work to facilitate learning and provide lessons whenever possible. In addition, a library is set up in an independent reading corner of the outdoor classroom which has a focus on minority authored books and reference texts available for students to explore. The material is rotated on a regular basis and encompasses the following domains:
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Mathematics (Sample topics: study of operations, multiples, fractions, geometry, money work, decimal system, measurement, critical thinking, memorization, graphing, word problems);
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Language (Sample topics: introductory word study, mechanics, phonics, composition, sentence analysis, and grammar/parts of speech, as well as reading, literature, print and cursive handwriting, and communication);
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History (Sample topics: exposure to creation of the Universe, laws of the universe, notion of time, age of the Earth, fundamental needs of people, Clock of Eras, civilizations);
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Sciences (Sample topics: Zoology, Botany, Physical Science, Astronomy, Geology, Geography, and Chemistry).
Nature Walks:
Students take daily walks through nature and participate in a variety of activities that are specific to the ecology of the site. Mindfulness exercises are integrated throughout the nature walk as students learn to increase their awareness of the sensory inputs around them.
STEM Explorations: Students are presented with hands-on activities and experiments that allow them to learn about STEM topics in a meaningful and experiential way. During this exploration, students are guided through the scientific inquiry process and are encouraged to continuously reflect and wonder about new extensions of the concepts being presented.
The Arts Beyond having art material available for free use during the work cycle, weekly art lessons involve close readings of famous artworks. During this close reading, students learn about the historical context of the work and about the artist’s background.
Yoga & Meditation Students participate in various forms of meditation on a daily basis, but also have weekly special activities that involve specific meditation routines such as the use of positive affirmations. Additionally, students learn various yoga sequences that enhance their body and spatial awareness.
Care for Environment: Students learn to care for their environment and take ownership of their roles as members of the community. Students take responsibility for a community garden as well as small farm animals. Through this hands-on learning experience, students learn important life skills as well as concepts from the sciences.
Spanish Lessons: Through fun, interactive activities, students are presented with weekly target vocabulary in Spanish. The following are examples of the weekly themes: 1.Greetings + Basic Conversations 2.About Me 3.Food + Health 4.Animals + Nature 5.My Environment
Movement Activities: Students participate in guided movement activities that provide varied opportunities for movement of the body and exercising community building skills. The type of movement activity rotates daily between sports games, water activities, obstacle courses, yoga, among other activities.