The curriculum at Five Oaks Academy is designed to provide a complete educational experience that develops all aspects of a child – social, intellectual, and creative. Most importantly, we teach children how to learn and instill within them a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

We are in compliance with all state guidelines to provide a core course of study allowing children to move seamlessly between Five Oaks Academy and public schools. Classes are designed for a three-year age mix promoting both individual and social development. Our curriculum covers all of the expected subjects – reading, writing, math, science, social studies, geography, and history. However, our curriculum extends far above and beyond what is required, such as grace and courtesy and peaceful dispute resolution.

 

Reading & Writing

The Montessori approach to reading, composition, and literature starts by making the idea of reading fun, encouraging students to be creative and enjoy the process. Children learn to read using a hands-on, phonetic approach which makes literature and reading interesting and stimulating. Montessori students learn to read successfully at early ages due to this individualized and systematic approach. This is followed by a systematic study of the English language; spelling, vocabulary, linguistics, and grammar. Students are involved with reading and writing in the classroom every day and are involved in creating stories, poems, reports, plays, and student publications.

 

History

Starting with the earliest ages, Montessori teaches history and world cultures. Our approach includes physical geography, customs, commerce, government, arts, and more. Also included in this category of our curriculum are economics and citizenship. Children learn how to use money and calculate change and create a budget. They are also taught how our government works and the value of participating within a community.

Math

The Montessori math curriculum is based on the tradition of “unified math” which introduces the students to the fundamentals of algebra, geometry, logic, and statistics along with the principles of arithmetic. One way we teach is by providing concrete educational materials that graphically show what is taking place in a mathematical process which allows a child to internalize a clear image of how the process works. Montessori mathematics includes practical application of mathematics in everyday life such as measurement and handling finances. We also offer instruction in computer and keyboard skills..

 

Science

Science is an integral element of the Five Oaks curriculum. Among other things, it represents a way of life: a clear thinking approach to gathering information and problem solving. The scope of science includes botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, geology, and astronomy. Our goal is to cultivate the child’s fascination with the universe and to help them develop a lifelong interest in observing nature and discovering more about the world in which they live.

 

Nature Studies/Gardening

So much of today’s world disengages us from nature. Dr. Montessori took fantasy out of the classrooms and emphasized learning from nature. We believe it is important to help our children connect with the natural world. To that end, we regularly explore the world of nature through hands-on encounters with plants, reptiles, fish, and birds. In addition, students plan, plant, and tend a garden each season. A primary aid in teaching nature is our nature trail that winds for a half a mile through the woods and along the creek that cuts through our property.

 

Foreign Cultures and Languages

International studies continue at every age level at Five Oaks. Our study of foreign cultures integrates art, music, dance, cooking, geography, literature and science. Children learn to prepare dishes from all over the world as well as learn traditional folksongs and dances and art. We also teach children the basics of the languages of the cultures we learn about. Our study of foreign cultures often culminates in a festival that celebrates the many aspects of that culture. Furthermore, we provide a more focused study in Spanish with the goal of developing conversational skills and we will be adding German to our curriculum soon.

 

Art History / Art

Children will be exposed to all the great art movements and great artists. In addition, art instruction allows children to explore a wide range of mediums including drawing, painting, collage, block-printing, modeling, and more. Five Oaks offers a unique art history curriculum with individualized instruction. The program begins with prehistoric cave art and ends with an introduction to modern art. As with many aspects of Montessori instruction, art works its way into many aspects of the curriculum.

 

Music

We teach music in several ways. We learn about all the various instruments – from orchestral to primitive. We learn the fundamentals of writing and composing music. We learn about all the great composers and genres of music. And best of all, we actually get to play instruments and make our own music.

 

Health: Physical Fitness, Nutrition, and Hygiene

Five Oaks is interested in helping children develop control of their fine and gross motor movements. Exercise programs typically include dance, balance, coordination exercises and cardiovascular free play. In addition, we engage the children in a range of organized field games to teach basic rules and guidelines as well as sportsmanship. Hand-in-hand with exercise is the study of nutrition. We teach children about the basic food groups and how to plan and prepare a balanced meal. Children learn how to prepare their own lunch and snacks in the classroom and how to serve food to others. In doing so, they become experts in daily hygiene. Our staff also teaches hygiene and nutrition.

 

Grace and Courtesy

Learning how to work and play together with others in a peaceful and caring community is one of the most significant skills we teach at Five Oaks Academy. We instill a sense of value in being a part of a close-knit community of people living and learning together in an atmosphere of warmth, safety, kindness, and mutual respect. Students learn ethics, social conscience, and interpersonal skills. As a result, teachers become mentors and friends.

 

Practical Life Skills

Montessori students learn all sorts of everyday living skills, from cleaning, cooking, and sewing to first aid and balancing a checkbook. They plan parties, learn how to set a table, arrange flowers, and do simple household repairs. These skills not only help a child gain independence, it helps teach them the value of doing for themselves.

 

Field Trips

Field trips are also part of the Five Oaks curriculum. Students take all sorts of trips over the year to planetariums, art galleries, the zoo, museums, and other destinations.

 

Programs and Festivals

Through the year the students and faculty will plan and present programs and festivals. These events help teach children how to plan and host and they also allow a true celebration of a specific culture, theme, season, or holiday. This also allows a chance for parents to see first-hand the results of their child's skills and efforts.