Montessori in the Woods - Elementary program

In the Elementary program the students  are in mixed age group.  For the lower elementary the ages are 6 - 9. The focus continues to be independence, student led interest.  Maria Montessori coined the term Cosmic education for the elementary level.  What is Cosmic Education?

Cosmic education refers to the philosophy coined by Dr. Maria Montessori, which says that all things are interconnected in this universe and that each living thing has a specific role or Cosmic task to carry out. The children are at the center of this universe. Using their imagination, abstract reasoning, and questioning mind, they start to learn newer concepts.

Dr. Montessori beautifully explained the concept of cosmic education in the below paragraph:

“The child will develop a kind of philosophy which teaches this unity of the universe; this is the very thing to motivate his interest and to give him a better insight into his own place and task in the world and at the same time presenting a chance for the development of his creative energy.”

It describes the role of education as comprehensive, holistic, and purposeful; to encompass the development of the whole person within the context of the universe.