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
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Practical Life
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Sensorial
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Language
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Mathematics
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Cultural
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Science
Defining the Areas of Learning
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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.
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Sensorial materials allow the child to order, classify, seriate and
describe in relation to length, width, temperature, mass, color, etc.
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Mathematics allows the child to understand the concepts of number,
symbol, sequence, sets, place value, operations and memorization of
basic facts.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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