The
Montessori Method
The
Montessori method incorporated instruction in six areas; Practical
Life, Sensorial Activities, Math, Geography, Language, and Expression
Activities. These areas are introduced to the children three
to six years of age in a non-traditional curriculum. The
Montessori program is based on a three-year curriculum.
Dr. Montessori identified that skills developed in Practical Life
and Sensorial are the foundation for later learning. The
children are able to progress through the activities at their
own pace. The classroom is designed to meet the needs of
all the children in the class.
Practical
Life
Practical Life deals with teaching the child life skills, such
as hygiene, care of the person and environment, ordering, etc.
The skills gained in this area will allow the child to develop
motor control, sequencing, and concentration, which will lead
to independence
Sensorial
Activities
Sensorial
Activities help children to become masters of their environment.
By using all of our senses (e.g. vision, hearing, tactile, taste,
and smell) the child will thoroughly understand his/her environment.
Sensorial activities are the tools that concrete abstract ideas
for the children. As an example (sphere, prism, cube, ellipsoid,
etc.) will allow the children to internalize the concept of seeing
the solid, touching the solid, and by hearing the name of the
solid.
Math
The
younger students will begin to learn number concepts through rhymes,
songs, and poems. When the children are ready to make relationships
between and the words and the concepts of the number, the Guide
will help the child through concrete activities, to gain understanding
of math symbols, quantities, sets, math functions, and more.
Geography
Beginning
with verbal presentations and pictures, this area progresses to
sensorial experience and memory work. The child will become
aware of different cultures, languages, and spiritual beliefs.
As well as, the immense variety of fauna, flora, and landforms,
all around the world.
Language
The
youngest children work on vocabulary enrichment and sentence development.
Older children develop reading readiness skills by learning letter
sounds and their shapes, which will enable them to construct words,
with a strong emphasis on phonics. The children then progress
into writing and reading skills.
Expression
Activities
Expression
activities include Arts, Crafts, Music, and Horticulture.
The children are encouraged to create freely with materials.
In music the focus is on the development of a sense melody and
rhythm through the use of instruments and song. Horticulture develops
a commonality and responsibility to the Earth.
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