In a Montessori classroom there is a special atmosphere of cheerful, orderliness,
calmness and purposeful work. The Montessori environment provides the children with
materials and activities which are especially suited to the Childs intellectual,
emotional, physical and social needs at each stage of development.
The room is divided up into five interconnected areas activity, which allow for
self-expression, exploration and repetition. These Include;
- Practical Life Exercises encourage the Childs independence, concentration, grace
and courtesy, attention to detail and coordination through learning to care for
oneself, to others and the work environment. These exercises establish the work
cycle in which work is chosen, completed and returned to its place for use by the
next person.
- Sensorial Materials awaken the mind to the stimuli received through the senses.
By matching and grading sounds, colours, textures and forms, the child develops
the detailed and accurate sensory impressions, increases vocabulary and is more
easily able to grasp abstract concepts.
- The Language Program starts with oral language work through developing vocabulary,
sound identification, stories and poetry. The child then uses simples sandpaper
letters and wooden alphabet to develop skills in writing and then later into reading.
- The Cultural Area is an extension of the language area incorporating elements of
geography, biology, history, art, craft and music
- Number Work focuses on the decimal system and its operation with abstract mathematical
concepts emanating from the use and manipulation of concrete representations.