In the Classroom
“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”
– Maria Montessori
The Montessori method rests on three pillars: Freedom within Limits, The Prepared Environment, and The Observant Guide. Supported by those pillars, we foster the potential of each child we teach. A learning environment designed for children’s specific needs, along with thoughtful guidance from observant teachers, allows children to develop into independent, joyful, lifelong learners.
In practical life, the children practice skills such as pouring, tonging, sweeping and weaving. Here, children lengthen their concentration span by becoming absorbed in an activity, develop muscles and perfect their hand-eye coordination in preparation for reading and writing, pay attention to details while following a sequence of multi-step directions and develop good work habits by completing the work and preparing it for the next child.
In Sensorial, the children learn to manipulate and order the pink tower or brown stair, pair the sound cylinders, and grade the color tablets. They explore the nature puzzles to learn about animal classification and discover shapes in the geometry cabinet. Shelves of work choices allow the children to distinguish categories and relate new information to what they have already learned. This area is the beginning of conscious knowledge, according to Dr. Montessori, and it happens when the intelligence works in a concentrated way on impressions given by the senses.
In Mathematics, the children trace sandpaper numbers, explore the relationships between numbers with the hundred board, create numbers into the thousands in the bank game, and discover the relationship of parts to whole with fraction spindles. Dr. Montessori found that those who have access to mathematical equipment in their early years will easily and joyfully learn to assimilate many arithmetic facts and skills because they experience the concrete (manipulative) before the abstract (paper and pencil).
In Language, the children match sandpaper letters to objects, build words and stories with the moveable alphabet, expand their vocabulary with 3-part Cards, prepare for handwriting by using the metal insets, and explore a diverse array of carefully selected books. Dr. Montessori’s work that led her to determine the best approach was to first use the concrete then move to the abstract to accomplish the ultimate goals of reading and writing is abundantly evident.
In Cultural Studies, the Montessori approach brings the world to the child. Students work with globes, puzzle maps and landform trays. The classes read and discuss books about different cultures. An appreciation for art and music is encouraged by exploring works from different countries and cultures. Children and their families share their own celebrations and traditions to enrich the classroom experience. This helps the children learn to respect all people and cultures.