Montessori called this way of teaching “preparing the child for success”.  The teacher is there to guide the child through small exercises in which the child will succeed. Through time, the exercises rise in difficulty but because the progression is so well thought out, the child never feels as though learning is a struggle.

 

Six Areas of Learning

• Practical Life
• Sensorial
• Language
• Mathematics
• Cultural
• Science

 

Defining the Areas of Learning

• Practical life materials increase the development of organization and independence through care of self, care of the environment, exercises of grace and courtesy, and refinement of physical movement.
• Sensorial materials allow the child to order, classify, seriate and describe in relation to length, width, temperature, mass, color, etc.
• Mathematics allows the child to understand the concepts of number, symbol, sequence, sets, place value, operations and memorization of basic facts.
• Language work includes oral language development, written expression, reading, grammar study, creative dramatics and children’s literature. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through the use of sandpaper letters, moveable alphabet, and various presentations allowing children to link sounds and letters easily and to express their thoughts through writing.
• The Cultural and Science areas offer the child exposure to geography, history, biology, science, music and art.  These feed his/her imagination and understanding of the world around him/her.  They also help the child to understand his role in the world and that he is in fact, a very important part of the whole system. 

 

Summary

• Montessori is education for life. Through this hands-on, discovery approach to learning, students work at their own pace and experience a high rate of success. Classes are multi-aged and foster cooperation vs. competition. Respect for others and the environment, and responsibility for one's own learning are cornerstones of the Montessori philosophy. 
• Montessori teachers are specially trained facilitators who guide students to explore their world and think creatively. Academic achievement is a major focus in the Montessori classroom. As students work independently they are empowered by the knowledge they acquire and maintain a love of learning. In addition growth in the affective areas of development results from the emphasis on teaching the whole child.

Great Link: Montessori.org