BOM ~ CURRICULUM
Based on Dr. Montessori’s philosophy that the childhood years could be divided into definite periods, the Big Oak Montessori of Orange Park divides its curriculum into three phases:Toddlers, 15 months-3 years, Pre-School/K, 3-5, Lower Elementary 6-9. This is designed to accommodate these stages of development in children, which occur in roughly three-year cycles. From birth to three years of age children are absorbing directly from the environment, analogous to a sponge. It is during this phase that many language and motor skills are acquired without formal instruction.

During the second phase, from three to six years of age, Big Oak Montessori offers a Pre-School program. During this phase children reach a different stage in which repetition and
manipulation of the environment are critical to the development of concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order. They also learn skills for everyday living—such as sorting, grading, classifying—all of which lead to the development of writing, reading, and mathematical minds.

Early childhood educational programs at Big Oak Montessori are directed toward development of the basic learning areas including:
• Spatial (ability to perceive and manipulate the visual world)
• Bodily-kinesthetic (skill in using one’s body)
• Musical (ability to think in sound)
• Interpersonal (social interaction with others)
• Intra personal (self-understanding)
• Practical life (care of oneself and the environment)

Elementary children at Big Oak Montessori work on a "contract" basis. The children have the responsibility of scheduling their time to complete a given amount of work in a given amount of time, yet have the freedom of sequence.

The Big Oak Montessori Elementary program was developed to fill a need in the community for an integrated, structured, individualized, quality Montessori program. And to meet this need, we are continually focused on two very definite goals:
1. To Develop and Refine Skills
Our program works to develop reading, writing, spelling, math computation, and concept skills to the highest degree. This is accomplished through a highly individualized, ordered sequence of Montessori and supplemental materials.
2. To Give Children the Universe
Through our studIES of the cultural subjects (history, geography, botany, zoology, cosmology, geology, and the physical sciences), children are given an understanding of the world and their own responsible places in that world.

Pre-School (ages 3-5)
The goal of the Big Oak Montessori Pre-School program is to encourage children to become aware of their abilitIES and gain confidence in them. Freedom, concentration, coordination, order, independence, cooperation, self-discipline, industry, and a sense of reality learning are the main goals of the program.

Big Oak Montessori Pre-School classes offer a complete curriculum in practical life, language development, writing, geography, mathematics, computers, ASL, arts and crafts, music, history, biology, and science. Montessori materials are an integral part of this program. The Montessori environment creates a self-motivating atmosphere encouraging children to progress at their own rate.

The Pre-School children have the free choice of “jobs” within the prepared environment, which creates independence and self-direction. The free choice is limited to each material not already in use by another child, unless the child using a specific material "invites" another child to aid or share in the project. This develops the respect of individuals and their rights.

Lower Elementary (ages 6-9)
During this period children change into questioning, inquisitive, social people. Elementary children want to explore and develop their relationship with, and understanding of the world. There is a great need during these years to refine the relationships that children have with their peers, and for the first time group work and cooperation can be developed.

These years hold a unique and special opportunity in terms of the academic work that children are capable of producing. They begin to move away from their previous sensorial approach to life and start to conceptualize information. This ability allows the introduction of broad concepts that are also applicable to daily life. They also have the imaginative powers to truly "see" in their mind's eye what grown-ups can only imagine.

These are the years to give children as much information about the world and universe that they can absorb. It is time to give "jobs" that challenge and develop abilitIES, as well as emphasize the finished product, and pride that accompanIES hard work.