Cosmic Education is the curriculum developed by Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, for children ages 6-12. “Cosmic” comes from the word “Cosmos,” which means that everything in our Universe is interrelated and interconnected. 

In Cosmic Education, lessons are designed to be interconnected, so that a child can see how different subjects are related and how they fit together to form a bigger picture. For example, a lesson on ancient Egypt can motivate a child to study the physics of simple machines, which could then lead to a lesson on the geometry of triangles. This approach allows children to make connections between different subjects and see how they are all related, rather than learning them in isolation. A child does their own research and then presents the results in the form of a booklet, poster, or an oral presentation in the class. The research process involves working with source materials like books, magazines, or the Internet, and naturally leads to the mastering of multiple skills.

Overall, the Cosmic Education approach is designed to support children's natural curiosity and desire to learn, and to help them develop strong academic skills based on their own interests and tendencies. By providing a rich, engaging learning environment and emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world experiences, this approach helps children develop a love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives.

Math

Hands-on learning is a valuable educational method that allows children to engage with materials and concepts in a direct, physical way. By manipulating objects and experimenting with different techniques, children can develop a deeper understanding of abstract ideas in mathematics. This type of learning is particularly important for young children, who may not yet have the cognitive skills to fully understand complex concepts through traditional methods.

At our school, we provide a wide range of hands-on materials for children to use in their learning. These materials  include manipulatives, such as blocks, counters, and geoboards, as well as more advanced tools, like protractors and compasses. The rich selection of materials helps to keep children engaged and motivated, encouraging them to explore and discover fundamental principles of mathematics.

Once children have developed a strong foundation in hands-on learning, we  supplement their education with Beast Academy Math workbooks. These workbooks provide challenging problems and activities that encourage children to think critically and apply their knowledge in new ways. By working through the materials in these books, children can further develop their skills in math and geometry, preparing them for more advanced concepts in the future.

History

Every Wednesday, the children gather art supplies, find a space in the classroom, and listen to a story read by the guide. As they listen, they draw sketches and pictures related to the story. We use "The Story of the World" by Susan Wise Bauer as the foundation of our history curriculum because it is a great resource for engaging children's imaginations and inspiring them to do creative projects, class posters, and research. Children at the elementary age are particularly interested in ancient times, making this a perfect fit for our history lessons.

Social and Emotional Development

Social and emotional development is naturally blended into our curriculum. Children learn how to be peacemakers, how to accomplish social tasks, and how to approach difficult projects and share responsibilities. These lessons come not from the guide, but from life itself. When a child is given the freedom to move around and choose the materials, they will find themselves in situations where they need the right tools to approach them. The motivation for lessons on social collaboration comes from the child, and these lessons are immediately applied and practiced every day thanks to the freedom our children have to move, talk, and work together or independently depending on their needs and desires.

Concentration

Concentration is a key skill that is essential for success in our world. It is the ability to focus on a task or activity without being easily distracted, and it is a skill that can be developed and improved over time. At our school, we recognize the importance of concentration and have dedicated a three-hour block of uninterrupted time in the morning for children to focus on their work. This allows them to develop their concentration skills and practice using them on a daily basis. Whether they are working on a report, reading a book, or solving math problems, we respect their need for concentration and do not or let others interrupt them. By providing this time and support, we help children develop their concentration skills and set them up for success in school and beyond.

As parents, we want the best for our children in this rapidly changing world. The job market is constantly evolving, with new opportunities arising every day and many traditional jobs being replaced by technology and automation. To help our children thrive in this dynamical environment, we need to provide them with an education that teaches them how to adapt and create in any future world they find themselves in.

One way to do this is to teach our children to be self-directed learners, who are able to think creatively and work independently. This means encouraging them to work from a blank canvas and develop their ability to focus and work with information. It also means teaching them how to manage their time effectively, collaborate with others, and be responsible and self-disciplined.

These skills are best developed through active learning, where children are given the freedom to move and make their own choices, and are held accountable for the consequences of those choices. By providing our children with this type of education, we can help prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.