The Six Areas of 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.

Maria Montessori

Founder Maria Montessori (1870-1952), Italian educator and physician, best known for developing the Montessori method of teaching young children. She introduced the method in Rome in 1907. Dr. Montessori made the deduction that children learn through their senses, and through their experiences, which develops a sense of culture.This was a revolutionary way of thinking. Up until this time, it was widely believed that, until about the age of 6, children were almost incapable of learning.

The basic principle of the Montessori educational approach is that every child carries within them the potential of the adult that they can become. The Montessori method is concerned with the child’s character development rather than accumulation of knowledge for its own sake. Children are encouraged to reach their full human potential and the whole personality of the child is developed. Not merely the intellectual faculties, but also the powers of deliberation, initiative, independent choice, and the associated emotional development are encouraged. By experiencing the class as a functioning social community, the child is trained in those fundamental social qualities that form the basis of dependable citizenship. Children attending Montessori schools learn to cooperatively work with a group and develop the self-discipline required to perform a task. The stimulating environment and contagious enthusiasm allow the children to attain confidence through achievement and stimulate the development of their individual talents and interests.