the Montessori methodology

​

Dr Maria Montessori is an innovative, child-centred approach to education developed a century ago by a woman ahead of her time. Montessori education aims to foster a child’s natural inclination to learn. Montessori teachers guide rather than instruct, linking each student with activities that meet his interests, needs, and developmental level.

 

The curriculum areas of Montessori kindergarten classrooms are Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Cultural studies. Within each area, the lessons are prepared from simple to more complex, allowing the child to achieve success, thus leading to independence and fulfilling the child’s natural desire to learn.

​

Practical Life

Practical life exercises instil care for self, for others, and for the environment. These activities include some of the daily routines the child has already observed at home: preparing food, washing dishes, dressing oneself, and practising accepted societal rules of grace and courtesy. 

 

Sensorial

Sensorial materials are designed to develop cognitive skills and to help children classify and order impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening, and exploring all the physical properties of their environment.

 

Language

The Montessori classroom is rich in oral language opportunities, allowing the child to experience conversation, poetry, and stories. Children effortlessly link sound to symbol while tracing sandpaper letters with their fingers, thus encouraging the natural progression of written expression and reading skills.

 

Mathematics

Mathematical activities help children learn and understand the concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials. The work helps children understand basic mathematical principles and prepares them for later abstractive reasons.

 

Cultural Studies

Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. Through familiarity, children come to feel connected to the global human family.

​