The Montessori method offers children a dynamic learning environment where they are empowered to choose their work, follow their interests, and progress at their own pace. Within this space, children develop their independence, refine their concentration, and explode into learning as they develop their intelligence and higher-level brain processes.
Between the ages of three and six, preschoolers move through sensitive periods for language, order, grace and courtesy, the senses, writing, small objects, music, reading, spatial relationships, and mathematics.
Learning Goals
- Formation of individual letters and numbers
- Recognises numerals and counts by rote
- Reads simple sentences and constructs phonetic words
- Can write and recognise their own name
- Aware of the decimal system, addition, and subtraction
- Participates in physical activities and follows the rules of games
- Shows self-confidence and interacts well with others
- Ability to concentrate and work independently
- Responds to challenges and demonstrates problem-solving skills
Practical Life
Practical life activities focus on care of self, care of others, and care of the environment. In addition to teaching daily life skills, practical life activities promote independence, social skills, grace and courtesy, concentration, and coordination.
Example materials and activities include:
- Tonging
- Grating
- Threading
- Lessons in Grace and Courtesy
- Nuts and bolts
Sensorial
Sensorial activities are designed to help children develop and refine the senses of sight, touch, taste, smell and sound. These skills assist with classifying, sorting and discriminating between objects to interpret their sensory impressions. These skills are necessary foundations for language and mathematics.
Language
Montessori language materials assist children in learning literacy skills and developing their vocabulary. Through conversation, singing, and hands-on materials, children learn letter recognition, phonics, vowels and consonants, and the early stages of writing and reading.
Example materials and activities include:
- Moveable alphabet
- Metal insets
- Object picture matching cards
- Three part cards
- Object boxes