Introduction to Language

Dr. Montessori recognised that a young child has a natural sensitivity for language development that starts in the womb. Children from 2 to 6 years have a unique fascination for words - written and spoken - they can build a vocabulary from about 200 to 10,000 words over this period. This fascination is what allows them to begin writing and reading before the age that its traditionally taught.

The Montessori teacher is able to follow each child’s period of interest and introduce the materials associated with language at the optimal time. Acknowledging that a child has already gained language (i.e. the mother tongue) before starting in the classroom, the teacher starts with sound games leading on to Sandpaper Letters which allow the child to come to writing with ease. Building words using the Movable Alphabet nearly always precedes reading in a Montessori environment.

For writing, children need two skills - the memory of the shape of letters and their corresponding sounds, as well as the muscular ability to use a writing instrument with control.

Acquiring both skills at the same time can be very discouraging and frustrating. The materials designed by Dr. Montessori offer children the opportunity to learn the shapes and sounds of the letters in a way that is independent from perfecting the motor skill. For example, the child can gain confidence in their ability to write by using the Movable Alphabet which allows the child to compose without the underdeveloped hand getting in the way. Children in Montessori classrooms learn to write, not by writing, but by performing a variety of purposefully structured activities that prepare them directly and indirectly for success in handwriting.

Some children read at four, some at five and some at six. The actual age isn’t as important as their level of readiness. If they begin too early, they’ll be discouraged. If they’re forced to wait and the time passes their initial period of interest then they’ll miss the golden opportunity when they’re propelled by their own natural enthusiasm. The freedom of Montessori allows children’s own interests to determine their progress.

Introduction to Mathematics

The basic concepts of math are learned by a child in two ways - either using concrete materials at an age when they enjoy manipulating equipment, or abstractly when they are older and in elementary grades.

Dr. Montessori showed that if a child has access to mathematical materials in their early years, they can easily and happily assimilate many facts and skills of arithmetic. These same concepts on the other hand, may require long hours and drill learning if they are introduced later, in abstract form.

In a Montessori classroom, a child first experiences the concepts of 1, 10, 100, 1000 by holding these quantities in their hands, before they’re introduced to the the symbols for these quantities.

As they get more familiar and comfortable with numbers 1 - 10, the decimal system is introduced moving from quantity to symbol. Fundamentally, they are learning by discovery - not by being told - and slowly they develop an enthusiasm for the world of numbers.

Mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are done in a similar way - using concrete materials that are manipulated to understand and arrive at the solution. Slowly they’re weaned off materials and moved to the abstract as they grow older and start to gain an understanding of concepts.

Introduction to Cultural Studies

The Cultural Studies area of the classroom encompasses a variety of subjects that are supplementary to the Montessori method. Cultural subjects include: Geography, Science, Botany, Zoology, and Art & Music. Exploring these subjects provide children an opportunity to explore their curiosity of different worldly ideas.

Studying Geography and Foreign Languages allows children the opportunity to understand the immensity of the planet as well as understanding their own culture and that of others. Children can relate and understand cultural diversity and ultimately come to appreciate differences between humankind and compassion for one another.

The large wooden Puzzle Maps are one of the most popular activities in the classroom. Children can move each puzzle piece by grasping little knobs (thereby also developing their pincer grip to support writing later on). The introductory map of the world has a separate puzzle piece for each continent. Following a sensorial exploration of the puzzle map, they learn the names of the continents, countries within, their flags, languages etc.

Science in the Montessori classroom allows the children to explore and work with hands-on experiments that will cultivate a lifelong interest in nature and discovering more about the physical properties of matter of our world, for example, the concepts of sink and float, magnetic and non-magnetic are taught through materials.

Through the study of Botany, the children learn to identify plants through the shapes of leaves (what they look like, how to take care of them, how they grow, etc.) so that they may appreciate nature in a more organic way.

The study of Zoology shows children animals from all around the world (where they live, their unique eco-systems, what they eat, how they’re classified, etc.).

Lastly, the study of Music allows the children a very unique opportunity to express themselves. Music is explored through The Bells, a Montessori material where the child develops and refines the auditory discrimination of pitch. Children progress from learning each note, to learning simple songs.

Culture activities facilitate children's cognitive, social and emotional development in a constructive way.