Authentic Montessori
Montessori work is divided into five main categories.
Practical Life
Dr. Montessori recognized that children learn best by doing and by being active participants in their learning. In the Practical Life area, children progressively develop motor skills by using familiar objects found in the home. In using these objects, the children refine motor coordination, independence, concentration, attention to details, and a sense of order and responsibility.
Sensorial
Learning occurs through using the senses. Working with the sensorial materials children learn to use their powers of observation by isolating a single quality of an object such as length or dimension. Furthermore, children begin the process of analytical thought and indirectly get prepared for math work later on.
Math
With tangible learning materials, a sensorial experience always precedes an abstract concept. Math curriculum begins with activities to teach sequence, recognition, and quantity of numbers 1-10. Two parallel lesson formats continue with concepts of (1) the process of the operations (addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division) and (2) the memorization of math facts-the tables of addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division. Eventually used together, these two disciplines form the foundation for working complex math problems “in one’s head.”
Language
Reading and writing are introduced through methodical phonetic instruction. In a Montessori classroom we use oral language games, group work and abundance of teacher-made materials for language development. Sound and letter recognition precede word building which is the basis for writing.
Cultural
Cultural learning in the Montessori classroom is especially important in order for children to learn respect for others. By learning about other countries and the world’s geography children learn to appreciate and be open to differences around the world. Other subjects introduced in the “Cultural” activities explore topics including history and appreciation of art, nomenclature and classification of zoology, science experiments, history and appreciation of music, and the study of historical figures. This holistic curriculum subject allows children to learn respect and acceptance for all people.
