Curriculum and Programs

Physical Education and Athletics

Importance of Movement

 
We know the relationship between movement and the brain.  In her book The Secret of Childhood, Maria Montessori wrote:  “Movement, or physical activity, is thus an essential factor in intellectual growth, which depends upon the impressions received from outside. Through movement we come in contact with external reality, and it is through these contacts that we eventually acquire even abstract ideas.”
 
Children want to move – they need to move -- while they are learning, and at LMS they can.  Classrooms and the whole campus provide environments for movement, both purposeful and playful.  From gross motor work in the classroom to running on the playground to music with movement, children can engage in physical activity throughout their day, promoting emotional growth and intellectual growth.
 
Physical education classes, from kindergarten through middle school, teach children more specifically about their bodies in space, how to work as a team, and how to be healthy physically.  

Middle school students, in addition to their Physical Education classes, have an extended afternoon each week for a variety of athletics, which have included rock climbing, tennis, rowing, swimming and fitness.


Montessori Athletic Conference

Motivated by a desire to connect with other schools and provide continued school experiences in athletics, the Montessori Athletic Conference, or BIG M.A.C., was created in the fall of 2009.  Currently, the founding schools (Andover, Bay Farm, Cambridge, Riverbend,Harborlight/Stoneridge, Inly, Kingsley, Oak Meadow, Thacher, Woodside Academy, and LMS) along with two newer additions (Lesley Ellis and The Clark School) make up a thirteen member athletic conference.  Schools play inter-scholastic games and have participated in soccer, basketball, cross-country, and flag-football.  LMS has consistently fielded strong teams in each of these sports since 2009.  Coaches are LMS teachers and parents with experience in the sport they are coaching.  During the season, LMS teams practice once a week and have a game/meet once a week.

Athletics and Team Sports

At LMS children learn athletic and team/collaborative skills starting in toddler:

List of 6 items.

  • Toddlers:

    • Each day begins on the playground and once/week in the gym
    • Big movement and eye-hand coordination activities in the classroom
    • Nature walks – through the woods navigating trees roots, rocks, branches

  • Children’s House (3-6 year olds):

    • Motor activities in the classroom: hopscotch, throwing, balancing, jumping
    • An hour of outdoor play, students can choose ball games, running games, pretend play
    • PE classes once a week for Kindergartners (with LE first years) in the gym
    • Soccer after school – Super soccer stars for ages 3-6
    • Gymnastics after school – special instructor for ages 3-6
    • Tennis after school - special instructor for ages 3-6

  • Lower Elementary (6-9 year olds):

    • Many Physical Education (twice a week) classes devoted to games as well as sport specific skills for bowling, basketball, floor hockey, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, and activities to prepare for racquet sports (badminton/tennis)
    • At recess soccer and touch football games organized by the students

  • Upper Elementary and Middle School:

    Greater emphasis placed on individual and team sports/skills at both the 9-12 age level and Middle School, a detailed explanation of sport specific rules and game strategies is also highlighted during a student’s 7th/8th grade year.
    • Bowling (4th only)
    • Volleyball
    • Basketball
    • Floor Hockey
    • Gymnastics (4th and 5th)
    • Team Handball (5-8th)
    • Soccer
    • Ultimate Frisbee (6-8th)
    • Badminton
    • Pickleball (6-8th)
    • Nitroball (5-8th)
    • Tchoukball (5-8th)

  • Middle School: Extended Athletics

    Provides students with additional athletic experiences at various off campus facilities (2.5 hours once/week).  Since the introduction of this program, Middle School students have participated in:
    • Swimming (Waltham YMCA)
    • Rock Climbing (Central Rock Gym)
    • Rowing (Community Rowing)
    • Fencing (Boston Fencing Club)
    • Archery (Archery, USA)
    • Tennis (Waltham Athletic Club)
    • Golf (Stone Meadow Golf)
    • Fitness and Strength Training (Athletic Evolution)

  • Before and After School Offerings

    • Gymnastics (3-6 yrs)
    • Tennis
    • Soccer
    • Zumba (1st-8th)
    • Tennis
    • Karate (1st-8th)
    • Archery (1st-8th)
    • Dodgeball(1st-8th)
    • Floor hockey (1st-8th)
    • Kickball (1st-8th)
    • Gagaball (1st-8th)
    • Basketball (1st-8th)
    • Lacrosse (1st-8th)
    • Scooter hockey (1st-8th)

LMS has used the following facilities for our Middle School athletics:

Lexington Montessori School

130 Pleasant Street, Lexington, MA 02421 | Phone: 781-862-8571
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